4,693 Sarawakian undergrads to get free education covering 64 courses next year (Video)
by Jude Toyat · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Dec 18): A total of 4,693 Sarawakian students will begin their undergraduate studies next year through the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES).
The state government has allocated RM250 million for FTES, which covers 64 programmes offered at four Sarawak-owned universities.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative is a major step towards strengthening Sarawak’s education foundation and building long-term human capital.
“We are going to have 4,693 students who will proceed with their tertiary education in Sarawak’s own institutions, free, in 2026, and it will be paid for by the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) government.
“And in 2027, I’m sure the number will increase. In 2028, the number will increase,” he said when launching the FTES here.
Abang Johari said the scheme aims to remove long-standing financial barriers that have prevented capable Sarawakian students from pursuing higher education.
“The children of fishermen, farmers, and those from the B40 group — even though they have excellent results and are offered a place at university — because they are unable, their fathers are unable, their families are unable, their education has come to a stop,” he said.
With the introduction of FTES, he said the state government will fully shoulder the cost of tertiary education, allowing parents to no longer worry about financing their children’s studies.
According to him, the RM250 million allocation for 2026 will fund bachelor’s degree programmes at Sarawak-owned institutions of higher learning, covering 64 courses including robotics, cybersecurity, finance and accounting, law, and medicine.
He said eligibility is based on recognised academic requirements, including a credit in Bahasa Malaysia, adding that Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) holders are also eligible provided they meet the stipulated criteria.
Abang Johari said FTES forms part of Sarawak’s long-term strategy to develop a skilled workforce to support the state’s transition towards a modern, technology-driven economy.
“Sarawak is blessed with rich natural resources, but although we have our natural capital, we do not yet have sufficient human capital to add value to our resources,” he said.
He pointed out Sarawak’s revenue has increased by 2.4 times, enabling the state to invest more heavily in education.
“Now, I want to share that extra income with Anak Sarawak, so that Anak Sarawak can become the force behind our development,” he said.
Abang Johari said the initiative aligns with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS), which places emphasis on inclusive growth and equitable development.
“You are not only the children of your parents, but the children of Sarawak,” he added.
Among those present at the launch were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; and Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn.