Sarawak’s free education initiative praised by Australian High Commissioner

Lau (left) and Heinecke in a photo call at Swinburne Sarawak. Photo credit: TVS

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 17: The Sarawak government’s strategic planning in its effort to provide free education to the community in the future is something that is very encouraging.

This sentiment was echoed by Australia’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Her Excellency Danielle Heinecke, during a visit to Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus (Swinburne Sarawak) here yesterday (July 16).

According to a TVS news report, Heinecke expressed Australia’s commitment to continuing its educational partnership with Sarawak, emphasising the importance of such collaborations in driving mutual progress.

She highlighted the success of educational initiatives between the two regions and expressed hope for further growth in the future.

Heinecke said Australia is also interested in understanding the direction that Sarawak wants to achieve in various aspects such as energy and wants to be part of the success that will be achieved either through research or education.

“We are delighted that many young Australians have come to this region and had a wonderful experience of Malaysian culture, and we hope that educational cooperation will continue to thrive, and that we will be a part of Malaysia’s future, particularly in Sarawak.

“One of the areas that we really want to understand and see is where Sarawak wants to go in the future, learn about energy today, and see energy being explored by policies like pollution, and Australia would love to be a part of all of this,” she was quoted as saying.

Heinecke made the remarks during her speech at the afternoon tea event held at the Student Leisure Area of Swinburne Sarawak.

Meanwhile, Ir Professor Lau Hieng Ho, chief executive officer (CEO) of Swinburne Sarawak, expressed gratitude for Heinecke’s visit, calling it a meaningful gesture for the university community.

He acknowledged the continuous support from the Australian High Commission and Sarawak Foundation, which has enabled Swinburne Sarawak to offer world-class Australian higher education to the local community.

“Since our establishment 24 years ago, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak has produced approximately 10,000 graduates from over 50 countries worldwide.

“The support from the Australian High Commission and Sarawak Foundation has been vital in maintaining our commitment to accessible, high-quality education,” Lau stated.

Heinecke and her delegation arrived at Swinburne Sarawak at around 3.40pm, where they were welcomed warmly. Following the afternoon tea, the delegation was given a tour of the university’s new building, led by Lau. — DayakDaily