KUCHING: No Sarawakian child should have to give up their ambitions because of their family’s financial circumstances.
Chief Political Secretary to the Premier Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman said where a child is born must not decide how far he or she can go in life.
“Talent knows no wealth. Dreams should not end just because parents cannot afford tuition fees.
“That is why education must be a bridge to opportunity, and not a wall that separates those who can afford it from those who cannot,” he said at the Yayasan Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) Education Expo 2026 on Saturday (Nov 14).
The event also honoured SPM and STPM 2025 high achievers.
Fazzrudin, who is also a Yayasan Sarawak trustee, thanked the Premier for implementing the FTES at eligible institutions from this year.
He said the scheme shows the Sarawak government believes in the ability of the state’s children.
“Free education is not merely about the government paying tuition fees. It carries a much bigger message than that,” he said.
“Sarawak is changing, and we need all of you to continue what our leaders have been developing for Sarawak,” he said.
He said Sarawak is not the Sarawak of 20 or 30 years ago, as the state is building a new economy around green energy, hydrogen, the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), high-tech industry and sustainable development, with the aim of remaining a high-income state.
“Your future has not been decided. It has not been written. It is waiting for you to create it. And Sarawak needs you,” he said.
Fazzrudin also reminded the students to remember their school, teachers, parents and community when they succeed, saying the most meaningful success is one that changes the lives of others.
“We may be the generation building Sarawak, but you are the generation who decides how far Sarawak can go,” he said.
