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 human capital through universal access and educational equity.
He said the Premier’s leadership and commitment to building a sustainable and digital future for the people had driven the implementation of the scheme.
“It was a clear directive from the highest level of government – to remove the financial barriers standing between our talented young people and the university education they deserve, ensuring not only access but the ability to pursue quality education without the burden of debt.
“This scheme aligned with the Premier’s long-standing commitment to ensuring every citizen had the opportunity to reach their highest potential through learning,” he said.
Sagah said this in his welcoming remarks at the launch of the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) at the Raia Hotel and Convention Centre here today.
He asserted that the ministry had translated the directive into action by working closely with relevant agencies to develop a robust framework for the programme.
He said the materialisation of FTES was the result of collective effort.
“It involved intensive planning, multiple cross-ministerial engagements, and the drafting and unanimous approval of the Cabinet paper, ensuring the scheme was fiscally sound, strategically aligned, and ready for immediate implementation.
“FTES reflected the Sarawak Government’s foresight and commitment to education,” he said.
