Dr Annuar lauds free tertiary education at S’wak unis as forward-thinking approach

KUCHING (July 12): The Sarawak government’s decision to offer free tertiary education at state-owned higher learning institutions for Sarawakians graduating with a Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) from Chinese middle schools by 2026 exemplifies its inclusive and forward-thinking approach, said Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.

The Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development said this initiative is also a testament to Sarawak’s pioneering spirit.

“If you read today’s newspaper, the Premier announced that all UEC candidates entering state-owned universities will receive free tertiary education by 2026.

“Sarawak is not only the first but the only state in Malaysia to recognise UEC, and now we are offering UEC students to study with free tuition at our state-owned universities,” he said in his speech at the closing ceremony of the Sarawak English Language Education Symposium (Seles) at Raia Hotel here today.

In this regard, Dr Annuar expressed confidence that Sarawak will emerge as a premier destination for higher education in the near future.

“We want to use English, we want to have the top university in the state.

“We will definitely attract a lot of good people to come over not only to teach, not only to do research but also to learn from the state of Sarawak,” he added.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the initiative when officiating at the new building block of SM Pei Min in Miri on Thursday.

He affirmed the government’s resolve to address the challenges UEC graduates face in accessing higher education, ensuring equitable opportunities.

Abang Johari said the Sarawak government’s goal is to provide free university education to all eligible Sarawakians at state universities, reflecting the government’s commitment to sharing state revenue for the benefit of the people in Sarawak.