SIBU: University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) will be offering 15 out of the 64 programmes under the free tertiary education scheme that is set to be implemented in the state next year.
Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, said UTS is currently in active discussions with his ministry regarding the scheme.
“As we know, UTS has been actively engaging with my ministry on the free higher education scheme, which will be introduced next year.
“Tun (Head of State) has always shown great interest in education, and I am pleased to take this opportunity to announce that out of the 64 courses offered under the scheme, UTS will provide 15 of them,” he said when speaking speaking at the Statesman’s Lecture, Book Talk and Launch held at the Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud Chancellor Hall, UTS, here today.
The event was graced by Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Sagah encouraged those interested to apply and pursue their studies at UTS, stressing that lifelong learning should be a continuous practice.
On the significance of the programme, he said it marked a major milestone for the university, not only because it hosted the inaugural Statesman’s Lecture, but also as UTS has been given the honour of publishing the works of Wan Junaidi through its own publishing arm, UTS Publisher.
According to him, the two newly published books are ‘Teriso’s Little Star’, which he believed refers to Wan Junaidi’s birthplace in the village, and ‘Silence’, a collection of poems.
“‘Teriso’s Little Star’ takes us back to Kampung Teriso in the 1940s, portraying a serene village life shaped by nature, faith and tradition. It is a touching story of resilience, unity and the customs that define a community.
“Meanwhile, ‘Silence’ brings together the poems of Tun, Yusuf Mustanir and Diana Ningkan, offering personal reflections and cultural narratives that highlight heritage, history and the enduring human spirit,” he explained.
Sagah added that the event symbolised UTS’ role not only as a higher learning institution but also as a centre for knowledge sharing with communities from all walks of life.
“I believe such engagements enrich the academic environment and contribute to Sarawak’s intellectual and cultural heritage,” he said.
