BY SHARIFAH NONG-JASIMA and NATASHA JEE
SAMARAHAN: Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak is continuing to be a key talent hub, recording a 90 per cent graduate employability rate within six months of graduation, matching the benchmark set by the Ministry of Higher Education.
Its Rector, Professor Dr Firdaus Abdullah, said the consistent achievement reflects industry confidence in UiTM graduates, driven by strong English proficiency, industry-linked training, and compulsory entrepreneurship courses.
“Our graduates are highly sought after because of their technical skills and their ability to communicate in English.
“These factors give them the confidence to adapt quickly to the demands of industry,” he said during a special interview with Sarawak Tribune.
Firdaus explained that nearly all diploma and degree programmes include industrial attachments of one to two semesters, while some courses, such as the new Bachelor of Engineering in Asset Management, adopt a 2u1i model, which is two years on campus and one year in industry, ensuring graduates are job-ready and often absorbed directly by employers.
He added that entrepreneurship is a compulsory subject across all disciplines, from engineering to halal management.
“Our target is that 90 per cent of graduates will enter employment, and at least 10 per cent will create jobs as entrepreneurs.
“At present, around five to six per cent are already running their own businesses before graduating,” he added.
UiTM Sarawak’s market strength is also evident in application figures, with three qualified candidates applying for every available place.
Programmes accredited by professional bodies, including architecture, quantity surveying, engineering and nursing, remain highly competitive, while courses such as plantation and agro-technology consistently attract early job offers.
“We can only accept about one-third of qualified applicants. That selectivity has helped us maintain quality and ensure our graduates remain in high demand,” he said.
UiTM Sarawak currently enrols 9,000 to 10,000 students across three campuses, namely Samarahan, Samarahan II and Mukah, and offers over 70 programmes ranging from science and technology to business and the social sciences.
Despite having one of the lowest tuition fees in the country, the university invests heavily in teaching quality and student welfare.
Around 70 per cent of its students come from B40 households, with UiTM providing food banks, financial aid, and even laptops and transport assistance when needed.
“Our mission is not only to produce employees but to nurture entrepreneurs and socially responsible professionals.
“UiTM Sarawak stands ready to serve industry needs while uplifting the community,” Firdaus said.
