THE Sarawak government has set aside RM250 million for the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) which will start next year.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said 64 undergraduate degree programmes have been identified under the scheme following consultations with state-owned universities and Yayasan Sarawak.
“FTES is a transformative initiative aimed at cultivating a future-ready workforce. It is deisgned to ensure that access to higher education is based on merity and capability, not constrained by financial circumstances,” he said when tabling the 2026 State Budget.
At the same time, Abang Johari who is also the Minister for Finance and New Economy, said RM36 million will be allocated for the continued operation and effective administration of Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School (YSISS).
He said an addition of RM13 million under Alternative Funding has been earmarked for preliminary works to expand YSISS campuses to Bintulu and Miri, complementing the existing campuses in Kuching and Sibu.
“The YSISS is a significant milestone in Sarawak’s education landscape. This initiative represents a major step forward in our education strategy, offering the Cambridge curriculum and aligning Sarawak’s education system with international standards,” he said.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari said RM6 million will be provided for the continued implementation of the Sarawak Dual Language Programme which was implemented in October this year.
He said this initiative is a key mechanism to evaluate teaching and learning outcomes in Science, Mathematics, and English.
“This initiative, which is in collaboration with Lembaga Peperiksaan and Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Sarawak is supported by international partners including Swinburne Innovation Malaysia and Cambridge University Press and Assessment.
“The examination papers have undergone rigorous validation to ensure alignment with global standards; reinforcing the credibility of the programme and preparing our students to thrive in a competitive, globalised education landscape,” he said.
