SEBAUH: Rural students must have better access to information on higher education, skills training and career pathways to ensure they do not miss available opportunities.
Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said direct engagement was particularly important for students who may be unaware of education programmes offered by the Sarawak government.
“Sometimes, there are very bright students who are among the best in Sarawak, but they do not know about these programmes.
“So, I want students to understand the opportunities available and make choices based on the right information,” he said.
Sagah said this during the ministry’s outreach programme 2026 at SMK Sebauh here today (Sept 19), according to a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS).
He said among the key opportunities students should understand was the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), including its eligibility requirements and fields of study offered.
Such information would allow students to plan their education according to their qualifications, interests and intended career paths.
Sagah said the state government also provided various forms of education assistance to reduce financial barriers faced by students and their families.
He stressed that location and family background should not prevent students from learning about and benefiting from available education opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) passing rate in Sebauh increased from 93.88 per cent in 2024 to 94.89 per cent last year.
Sagah attributed the improvement to the efforts of schools, students, parents and the local community in strengthening educational performance in the area.
