Sarawakians encouraged to leverage on free varsity education

MIRI: The Sarawak government has announced its commitment to provide free higher education to Sarawakians, leveraging on the state’s economic strength to realise this initiative.

The policy, set to be implemented in 2026, aims to benefit students attending state-owned universities in Sarawak.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan emphasised the government’s encouragement for Sarawakians to enhance their educational performance to seize this opportunity.

“This is an opportunity to elevate our education to a higher level, focusing on Sarawakians continuing their studies at state-owned universities,” he said.

Highlighting the already existing universities, Awang Tengah noted, “We have several universities like Curtin University, Swinburne University, Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS), i-CATS University College, and the Sarawak Centre of Technology Excellence (CENTEXS). This initiative offers a chance to advance education with no fees, fully funded by the government.”

Speaking at the ‘Makan Tahun’ ceremony in Subis District in Kampung Bulau, on Saturday, he also mentioned the Sarawak government’s new focus on the green economy and renewable energy, following the success of the digital economy which has significantly improved the state’s economic landscape.

Awang Tengah, who also serves as Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development II, and Minister of International Trade, Industry, and Investment, highlighted the importance of science-based, resource, and technical fields in generating revenue for Sarawak in the future.

“Apart from higher education, the Sarawak government also focuses on technical education, which is crucial for the state’s development. Our children are encouraged to pursue their studies at technical-based universities,” he added.

Also present was Deputy Minister of Women, Family, Welfare, Community Well-being, and Childhood Development Sarawak cum Bekenu assemblywoman Datuk Rosey Yunus and Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (Entrepreneur Development) Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat.