Premier: S’wakian UEC holders can enrol at state-owned unis under free tertiary policy from 2026

KUCHING (Oct 2): Sarawakian Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) holders will be eligible to enrol in state-owned universities under the free tertiary education policy from 2026, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report, the Premier said the state government recognises the UEC, allowing students from aided Chinese schools to pursue their studies in Sarawak-owned universities, especially in strategic courses.

“By 2026, UEC students will be eligible to continue their studies at Sarawak-owned universities in important fields such as satellite and aerospace technology. This education will be provided free of charge,” he said at the 40th anniversary of the Association of the Boards of Management of Aided Chinese Primary Schools in Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian last night.

He pointed out the Sarawak government is allocating RM22 million to aided Chinese schools this year.

“This time, the allocation has been increased from RM9 million (last year) to RM12 million to help aided Chinese primary schools.

“In addition, another RM10 million is allocated to aided Chinese secondary schools. All these aspects are taken into account for the future of our children,” he said.

Abang Johari said the Sarawak government will continue to partner with and support Chinese schools in developing talent with practical and effective education policies.

“What’s important is for Sarawak to move towards a modern economy with talented young Sarawakians,” he added.

Association of the Boards of Management of Aided Chinese Primary Schools Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian Division chairman Datuk Jonathan Chai Voon Tok said Bumiputera pupil enrolment has steadily increased in Sarawak’s aided Chinese primary schools.

From the nearly 60,000 pupils last year, 38 per cent were Bumiputera, well above the national average of 20 per cent.

“As such, SJK Chung Hua are no longer Chinese schools per se and they are more like community schools, which provide education for students of all races.

“In that regard, SJK Chung Hua could be seen as a melting pot for students of different ethnic and religious backgrounds and, therefore, serve as an important platform to preserve and uphold our unity and racial harmony; something we should not take for granted,” he said.

He thanked the Sarawak government for allocating funds annually to aided Chinese schools as this has significantly lightened the burden of the boards of management and Chinese community in general.

Among those present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, and Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.