KUCHING: A total of 4,693 Sarawakian students will begin their undergraduate studies next year through the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES).
The Sarawak Government has allocated RM250 million for FTES, which covers 64 programmes offered at four State-owned universities.
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Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative is a major step towards strengthening Sarawak’s education foundation and building long-term human capital.
“We are going to have 4,693 students who will proceed with their tertiary education in Sarawak’s own institutions, free, in 2026, and it will be paid for by the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) Government.
“And, in 2027, I’m sure the number will increase. In 2028, the number will increase,” he said when launching the FTES, here.
Among those present at the launch were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
Abang Johari said the scheme aims to remove longstanding financial barriers that have prevented capable Sarawakian students from pursuing higher education.
“The children of fishermen, farmers and those from the B40 group – even though they have excellent results and are offered a place at university – because they are unable, their fathers are unable, their families are unable, their education has come to a stop,” he said.
With the introduction of FTES, he said the State Government will fully shoulder the cost of tertiary education, allowing parents to no longer worry about financing their children’s studies.
According to him, the RM250 million allocation for 2026 will fund bachelor’s degree programmes at Sarawak-owned institutions of higher learning, covering 64 courses, including robotics, cybersecurity, finance and accounting, law and medicine.
He said eligibility is based on recognised academic requirements, including a credit in Bahasa Malaysia, adding that Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) holders are also eligible provided they meet the stipulated criteria.
Abang Johari said FTES forms part of Sarawak’s long-term strategy to develop a skilled workforce to support the State’s transition towards a modern, technology-driven economy.
“Sarawak is blessed with rich natural resources, but although we have our natural capital, we do not yet have sufficient human capital to add value to our resources,” he said.
He pointed out that Sarawak’s revenue has increased by 2.4 times, enabling the State to invest more heavily in education.
“Now, I want to share that extra income with Anak Sarawak, so that Anak Sarawak can become the force behind our development,” he said.
Abang Johari said the initiative aligns with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, which places emphasis on inclusive growth and equitable development.
“You are not only the children of your parents but the children of Sarawak,” he added.
The Premier pointed out that by investing in its next generation of skilled professionals through the FTES, Sarawak is aiming to become a ‘regional influencer’ in Asean.
“With this forward-looking vision, it has been my ambition to speak publicly that Sarawak must be the star of Asean, not only within Malaysia, but to have influence across the region.
“Now you call it what? The new term among Generation Z is ‘influencer.’ Let Sarawak be the influencer in this region, and I believe we can,” he said.
Abang Johari also stressed the importance of preparing Sarawakian students for a competitive global economy, encouraging multilingual proficiency.
“I would like students from Sarawak to have at least three languages in their command: English, Bahasa Malaysia which is mandatory and Mandarin,” he said.
He linked education to technology and innovation, pointing to global advancements in micro-electronics.
“Your friends now studying micro-electronics are designing AI-powered chips in Cardiff, United Kingdom. We aim to have our own competitive chip technology.
“The new economy will also involve humanoids and robots, operated and commanded by chips.
“I hope you will be the people inventing new chip technology for the world,” he said.
The FTES initiative is expected to expand in subsequent years, with the Government committed to sustaining free tertiary education and developing human capital to drive Sarawak’s future prosperity.
“Nordic countries have this, Germany has this.
“Sarawak is the first in this region to give free tertiary education to its people,” said the Premier.
“This is your time Anak-Anak Sarawak.
“I wish all Sarawakian students the best for the future.”
