SIBU: Students and parents have been urged to be cautious over the proliferation of private scholarship offers and courses that promise benefits but lack clear future prospects.
Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah said some parties are using promotions such as “free scholarships” to attract students, even though such offers may not be fully realised.
He stressed that the situation is increasingly worrying, particularly among students from Sarawak, who may be easily influenced by promises without properly assessing course quality and employability.
“Some private institutions offer a wide range of study programmes without clear explanations on career prospects, leaving parents excited but uncertain about their children’s educational direction.
“Many courses appear attractive on the surface, but not all add value to students’ future. Some ultimately do not lead to stable job opportunities,” he said.
He said this when representing the Premier at the closing of Sistem Pesanan Kerjaya (SPEAK): Talent Bridge 2030 at a hotel here Tuesday (April 21).
Sagah also said that school counsellors play a crucial role in helping students make the right decisions, including evaluating the suitability of courses with job market demands.
In this regard, he said counsellors must provide honest and professional guidance, even if it means stating that certain courses are unsuitable or lack strong prospects.
He added that the rising trend in certain fields, such as early childhood education, should be assessed realistically based on actual demand.
“If too many pursue the same field without proper planning, it may lead to an oversupply of graduates who struggle to secure employment,” he added.
He therefore urged students to conduct thorough research before accepting any study offer, including checking institutional accreditation and the suitability of courses with their interests and career opportunities.
At the same time, parents were also reminded not to be easily swayed by excessive promotions, but instead ensure that every educational decision is made based on accurate information and long-term considerations.
