KUCHING: The Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) is among Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s best initiatives for Sarawak.
Batu Kitang incumbent Datuk Lo Khere Chiang said the scheme would give more young Sarawakians the opportunity to pursue tertiary studies and prepare them for jobs in industries the state is looking to attract.
“Education is one of the best things the Premier has done for Sarawak. Abang Johari has hit the nail on the head.
“By investing in education, he is helping to build a knowledge-based society,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
Lo pointed to Singapore, which he said had built its economy around technology and financial services despite having limited natural resources.
He cited semiconductor manufacturing as an example of an industry that depends on people with the skills to design and produce chips.
He said affordable green energy could help draw investors to Sarawak.
“Once companies decided to set up here, however, they would need engineers and other skilled workers to get their operations off the ground. If we don’t have enough engineers, investors will struggle to get their industries going here.
“How do we equip our young people with the knowledge they need? Through education,” he said.
Lo also welcomed the opportunity for Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) holders to pursue tertiary studies under the scheme, saying it would give more Sarawakian students a route to university.
He said internationally recognised qualifications could give graduates the option of working abroad, but hoped more would choose to build their careers in Sarawak as job opportunities expanded.
“We want our students, our children, to stay in Sarawak and serve Sarawak. One day, our young people may find that they would rather stay and work here than go elsewhere,” he added.
