A visionary free education initiative to empower Anak Sarawak

KUCHING: The announcement on the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) by the Sarawak government marks a visionary initiative aimed at empowering the youth and ensuring long-term prosperity for the state.

President of the Association of Boards of Management for Aided Chinese Primary Schools in Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions, Datuk Jonathan Chai, said that by eliminating tuition fees for Anak Sarawak enrolled in state-owned institutions and offering an annual living allowance of up to RM15,000, the scheme addresses key educational and socioeconomic barriers that have long hindered access to higher education.

“Full tuition coverage lifts the burden of education debt, opening doors for students who might otherwise forgo higher education due to costs.

“Besides, the living allowance reduces reliance on part-time work, enabling students to focus on academic excellence while alleviating financial strain on families,” he said when contacted by Sarawak Tribune.

He highlighted that rural and lower-income students, often disproportionately affected by financial constraints, will gain unprecedented access to tertiary education, thus bridging the urban-rural divide.

“By incentivising studies at Sarawak-owned institutions, the scheme encourages graduates to remain in the state, curbing brain drain and nurturing a skilled local workforce.

“This initiative also aligns seamlessly with Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which prioritises human capital development and high-skilled industries.

“By investing in education today, Sarawak positions itself to lead in innovation and economic resilience tomorrow,” he said.

He said that the inclusion of a living allowance sets FTES apart from global counterparts, reflecting the government’s commitment to holistic student welfare.

“Sarawakians are indeed fortunate to benefit from a government that prioritises welfare across all life stages – from newborns to seniors, civil servants, and now students.

“As FTES rolls out, it is incumbent upon students to seize this opportunity, excel academically, and ultimately contribute their skills to Sarawak’s growth,” said Chai.

Thus, he added, poverty, once a barrier to education, will no longer stand in the way of ambition.

“This initiative is more than policy – it’s a promise to future generations.

“Let us champion its success and ensure Sarawak reaps the rewards of an empowered, educated populace to enable us to achieve the goals set out in PCDS 2030,” he said.