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Dr Annuar (center) chats with Ahmad Hata (second right), while Sulong (left) and others look on. – Photo by Peter Boon
SIBU (April 25): The Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) provided by the Sarawak government is not only sustainable, but its current coverage of 64 programmes across four Sarawak-owned universities can be expanded if necessary, said Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
The State Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development said the sustainability of FTES is among the key objectives of the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund Board (SSWFFB).
“I recall some time ago during a dialogue session, some asked me if FTES is sustainable. SSWFFB chairman Tan Sri Sulong Matjeraie has mentioned that ensuring the sustainability of FTES for future generations is one of its most important objectives.
“So, I am very confident that FTES is not only sustainable, but the current coverage of 64 programmes across four Sarawak-owned universities can also be expanded if needed.
“In fact, if any of the four Sarawak-owned universities introduces a new science programme, they can always request for it to be included under FTES,” he said when officiating at ‘Karnival Jom Masuk Universiti’ (JMU) 2026 at University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) here.
Dr Annuar stressed that education plays a crucial role in raising household per capita income, enabling people to benefit from national economic growth.
Recognising its importance, he said the Sarawak government has made significant investments in the sector, including sponsoring students to pursue medicine at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas).
“Furthermore, Sarawak made history when it launched the FTES, as no other state in the country has rolled out such initiatives,” he said.
He reminded students not to take the benefits provided by the Sarawak government for granted.
“They have an obligation to study hard and produce good results,” he said.
Dr Annuar expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Higher Education for selecting Sibu as the venue for the programme.
“It is our hope that the Ministry of Higher Education in time to come, will roll out the programme in all the three zones in Sarawak – southern, central and northern.
“In that way, the message will be able to reach every nook and corner of Sarawak for students to learn about opportunities provided by institutions of higher learning,” he said.
Meanwhile, Unimas vice-chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit said this year’s JMU 2026 programme began its nationwide tour covering 10 zones from Jan 29 to April 26, with the theme “DreamX: Inspiring Your Next Step”.
He said the programme featured a variety of activities for students and parents seeking information and consultation on entry into public institutions of higher learning (IPTA), polytechnics, community colleges, private institutions of higher learning (IPTS) and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara).
He added that Unimas expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Higher Education for entrusting it to manage the JMU 2026 Sarawak Zone II event, with Sibu selected as the host location this year.
Ahmad Hata said the selection of Sibu was strategic as it allowed participation from students in Sibu, Sarikei, Kanowit, Mukah, Bintulu and even Miri.
He also said Unimas continues to strengthen teaching and learning, research and collaborative partnerships, aimed not only at producing excellent graduates but also skilled human capital to meet state, national and industry needs.
Among those present were Unimas board chairman Tan Sri Sulong Matjeraie, Deputy Director-General of Higher Education (Academic & Research) Prof Dr Zainal Amin Ayub, and Public Higher Education Student Admissions Division senior assistant director Rudy Adrie Idris.
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