SAMARAHAN: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) will host the Jom Masuk Universiti (JMU) 2026 Carnival Zon Sarawak II in Sibu for the first time to boost higher education access in Sarawak’s central and northern regions.
UNIMAS Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs), Professor Dr Fitri Suraya Mohamad Hapni Joblie said Sibu was chosen due to its strategic location as a hub connecting urban, semi-urban and rural communities in central Sarawak, enabling students, particularly those from rural areas, to explore available education pathways firsthand.
“The carnival is expected to attract around 20,000 visitors over two days at Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS), Sibu.
“And will feature 55 exhibition booths involving 20 public and private higher education institutions, universities in Sarawak, MARA, and public skills training institutions (ILKA),” she said during a special interview held in conjunction with the Jom Masuk Universiti (JMU) 2026 Carnival, Zone II Sibu, at UNIMAS today.
She added that the programme provides a platform for students and parents to engage directly with educational institutions, explore study options, and obtain clearer information, especially for those with limited access to higher education guidance.
On the approach to reaching students, she said information is not only delivered physically but also through digital platforms such as TikTok, noting that a previous JMU 2026 event in Kuching recorded more than 80,000 online views.
“This approach is important as some students prefer to access information digitally before attending physically,” she said.
Beyond providing information on study opportunities, Fitri said the carnival also offers students the chance to interact directly with lecturers and gain insights into university learning environments.
She added that students often face challenges transitioning from school to university life, where learning becomes more flexible and self-directed compared to the structured school system.
“The learning culture in universities is more flexible but still structured. Without clear goals, students may drift and be influenced by peers.
“However, with dedication, commitment, and strong discipline, students can achieve good results during their studies.
“This applies not only at universities but also in colleges. Wherever you go, with strong discipline, you can, God willing, succeed in achieving what you aim for,” she added.
The JMU 2026 Carnival Zon Sarawak II will be held on April 25 and 26 (Saturday and Sunday) from 8.30am to 5pm, with free admission and open to all, including students, parents, and the Sibu community and surrounding areas.
The event will be officiated by Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
