KUCHING: Sarawak is exploring opportunities for its students to pursue postgraduate studies at two of China’s most prestigious universities to strengthen human capital development in the state.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the initiative was raised by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during a meeting with the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing, last year.
“Sarawak will send people there to study because what we need is talent,” he said when met by reporters during the Kuching Bicycle and Motor-Traders Association’s 70th anniversary dinner here last night (May 16).
He added that the state government remains committed to nurturing future leaders through global education exposure.
He stressed that Sarawak was not seeking financial aid, but educational opportunities for its people at world-class institutions.
“We do not need their money. We will send our own people there to study,” he said.
Dr Sim said the Premier had previously secured similar arrangements with institutions in the United Kingdom and believed Sarawak should establish comparable linkages with China.
However, he clarified that the proposal was still at the discussion stage and no formal agreement had been reached.
“For now, it is only a request. We do not know whether China can make it happen because Tsinghua University and Peking University are not universities where admission can simply be obtained with money,” he said.
Dr Sim said selection would still depend on academic merit and the applicant’s field of study, taking into consideration the applicant’s field of studies and whether they have the talent.
He added that the Chinese Ambassador had responded positively to the proposal and expressed support for Sarawak’s development agenda.
He said the initiative reflects the state government’s continued focus on education as a key pillar of long-term development.
“This is why education is so important; we need to continue nurturing successors and cultivating talent,” he said.
