Monday, 29 December 2025

Author: Nura V Lorna

Free Tertiary Education Scheme to be implemented beginning Feb 2026

KUCHING: The Sarawak Government will implement the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) beginning February 2026, allowing eligible anak Sarawak to pursue undergraduate studies free of charge at Sarawak-owned institutions of higher learning (SIHL). Introduced under the Sarawak Budget 2023, the scheme covers tuition fees and includes a monthly stipend to

Potential ASEAN influencer in talent, technology and education

KUCHING: Sarawak aspired to become an ASEAN influencer in talent, technology and education, with free tertiary education forming the foundation of its long-term economic transformation. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) was part of the state’s effort to set the

FTES focuses on 64 in-demand courses, including psychology

KUCHING: The Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) focuses on new and in-demand programmes aligned with the needs of the emerging economy, including psychology to address growing mental health challenges. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said changing lifestyles and increasing pressures in modern society had created demand

Premier launches Free Tertiary Education Scheme for ‘anak Sarawak’

KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg launched the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) today, under which 4,693 students would pursue tertiary studies free of charge at Sarawak-owned institutions beginning February 2026. Covering 64 courses across four Sarawak-owned institutions of higher learning (SIHL), Abang Johari said the

Free tertiary education ensures access, opportunity for local students

KUCHING: The Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) stood as a critical investment in access, opportunity and financial freedom for students – the core driver of social mobility. Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, said the programme reflected the state’s shared ambition to strengthen its

First-time appointees broaden representation in latest Cabinet

KUCHING: The inclusion of first-time appointees in the latest Cabinet reshuffle has been viewed as an effort to broaden leadership representation, though its impact will ultimately depend on how effectively these new faces translate intent into governance outcomes. Political analyst, Professor Dr Novel Lyndon, said the appointments reflected a conscious

Digital connectivity key to improving financial literacy

IMPROVING financial literacy in rural Sarawak should begin with strengthening digital connectivity to overcome geographical and logistical barriers faced by remote communities. Chief Executive Officer of SALIHIN, Shariah Dr Ahcene Lahsasna, said technology, particularly smartphones and online platforms, could serve as a practical channel to deliver financial education to rural

Fadzil

Cabinet reshuffle recalibrates priorities, strengthens delivery

KUCHING: The latest Cabinet reshuffle was not meant to shake up the government for headlines, but to recalibrate priorities and strengthen delivery within the existing framework. Former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Prof. Datuk Mohd Fadzil Abdul Rahman, said the limited changes showed the Prime Minister had

Sarawak holds out potential to be social finance hub

SARAWAK has the potential to lead Malaysia and Southeast Asia in integrating Islamic social finance with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)-driven development. Chief Executive Officer of SALIHIN, Shariah Dr Ahcene Lahsasna, said Sarawak’s natural resources and diverse cultural heritage placed the state in a strong position to adopt sustainable and ethical

Cabinet reshuffle aims to strengthen unity government’s stability

KUCHING: The Cabinet reshuffle was seen as a move to strengthen the government’s position moving forward, particularly in maintaining stability within the unity government and managing coalition dynamics. Political analyst, Dr Lee Kuok Tiung, said the reshuffle appeared calibrated to stabilise the administration rather than to signal a major policy