KUCHING: Yayasan Sarawak’s student loans and scholarships, including the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), are open to all Sarawakians regardless of race.
Federation of Chinese Associations Sarawak president, Datuk Seri Richard Wee Liang Chuat, stressed that financial assistance under the foundation is applicable to every eligible Sarawakian – whether Chinese, Iban, Malay or from other communities – as long as they meet the required criteria.
“Please let the people know, Yayasan Sarawak’s student loan and scholarship are applicable to all Sarawakians, irrespective of whether you’re Chinese, Iban, Malay, or anyone, as long as you qualify,” he said when met after welcoming Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, to his Chinese New Year open house at his residence here today.
Wee, who is also a member of Yayasan Sarawak’s Board of Trustees, also encouraged more students to apply for the assistance.
On concerns about whether there is any quota for Chinese students under the FTES, Wee clarified that there is no quota system in place.
Selection of students, he explained, is entirely handled by the respective higher learning institutions, not Yayasan Sarawak.
“We leave it to the universities to make their decision and selection. They determine whether the students qualify for the courses they apply for.
“Once accepted, the university will compile the list and submit it to Yayasan, and we will disburse the funds accordingly,” he said.
Wee added that Yayasan Sarawak does not interfere in the universities’ selection process, as the authority has been delegated to the institutions to ensure transparency and fairness.
On the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), he said the qualification is recognised, but acceptance ultimately depends on the individual university’s admission policies.
“Whatever the university accepts, Yayasan accepts,” he said.
He further noted that Yayasan Sarawak has consistently upheld a fair and merit-based system.
“Applicants are required to meet academic requirements, including a minimum CGPA for certain schemes, and may undergo interviews. Priority is also given to courses aligned with Sarawak’s development needs,” he said.
Wee reiterated that the process is conducted in a fair and square manner, underscoring that equal opportunity remains the guiding principle of Yayasan Sarawak’s financial assistance programmes.
