Non-STEM fields remain important in Sarawak’s development — Minister

SIBURAN (Jan 13): Sarawak does require experts in non-Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields such as accountancy, finance, law and psychology.

In stating this, Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn regarded these areas as holding a crucial role in addressing modern social and economic challenges.

According to him, the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) is not limited only to STEM-related courses.

“It (the scheme) also covers fields like accountancy, finance, law and psychology.

“We need professionals in these areas,” he said in his address for the first day of the 2026 school term at SMK Tun Abdul Razak here Monday.

The Tarat assemblyman acknowledged that finance and accountancy would require strong foundation in Mathematics, the growing mental health challenges faced by younger generations would also demand more trained professionals in this field.

“Many youngsters today, especially those from Gen Z (Generation Z) are experiencing stress.

“This is not only happening to older generations.

“Developed countries such as Japan and Korea are also facing similar issues, which is why counsellors and psychiatrists are needed,” he added.

On another subject, Sagah highlighted that academically high-performing students, particularly in Year 6’s Dual Language Programme Sarawak Assessment Test (UP-DLP) could be selected to enrol in the Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School.

According to him, a total of 64 courses under the FTES are under the science and technology umbrella.

He also emphasised the importance of nurturing local talents to drive the state’s technological development.

“We need more local talents who are capable of producing chips, ships, satellites and our own automation systems and technologies.

“In the future, we do not want to be merely technology users, but also technology creators and designers,” he pointed out.

Sagah added that state-owned institutions offering FTES-related courses included Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Curtin University Malaysia, University of Technology Sarawak and i-Cats University College.