92 Sarawak medical students at UNIMAS benefit from FTES

KUCHING, 9 Oct: A total of 92 Sarawak students studying medicine at the Malaysian University of Sarawak (UNIMAS) have benefited from the Free Higher Education Skim of Sarawak (FTES) so far.

Deputy Prime Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, said the initiative reflects the state government's commitment to expanding access to higher education for Sarawak children, as well as being a long-term effort to address the shortage of doctors in the state.

He said the financing would allow eligible students to study without having to pay tuition fees covered by the scheme, regardless of race or family financial status.

"As long as you are a Sarawak citizen and successfully enter UNIMAS, whether you have money or not, whether you are Chinese, Malay or Indian, the Sarawak government basically funds your studies", he said.

He said that when he met with reporters at the inauguration of The Bright Side Project here today.

Dr Sim said the funding also gives space for UNIMAS to accept more Sarawak students to attend medical school.

Commenting on the state's medical education plan, he said that the Sarawak government is elaborating proposals for setting up medical schools in Sibu and Miri.

He said the plans at Miri also involve cooperation with higher education institutions from China.

In the meantime, he said, The Bright Side Project not only celebrates cultural diversity but also serves as a platform for bringing communities together through activities related to health, arts and entrepreneurship.

The program includes breast cancer awareness campaigns, sports activities such as pickleball and art exhibitions and photography.

He said the approach was important in building Sarawak's identity based on unity, inclusion and mutual support among communities.