THE Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development is committed to ensuring that tertiary education curricula remain-industry relevant, adaptive and future-proof.
Deputy Minister Datuk Francis Harden Hollis said this is to ensure that Sarawakian graduates are not only employable to drive Sarawak’s socioeconomic transformation.
“Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) is a strategic initiative that directly supports the aspiration under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), particularly in developing a resilient, skilled, and future-ready workforce for Sarawak,” he said.
He said this during the question-and-answer session at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Friday, responding to Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor (GPS-Lingga) on how the state government works with industries to align the free education initiative 2026 with Sarawak’s workforce and economic development need, particularly in sectors like renewable energy, the digital economy, and agro-industry.
With Sarawak Career and Training Fair (SCaTFair) being the largest training and career exhibition, Harden said it aims to provide information on education and career opportunities, enhance the employability of graduates and youth, and empower them to make decisions about their future.
“Through this initiative and strategic partnerships with agencies such as Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS), and supported by strategic partnerships with key agencies, including Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial (PERKESO), Sarawak Skills, Centre for Technology Excellence (CENTEXS), Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), PETRONAS and PETROS, we are aligning our graduates with current job market demands.
“Our institution emphasis hands-on, practical approach to build both technical and critical thinking skills.
“Especially to the rural communities, initiatives such as Industry Technology Outreach Programme (ITOP), Community Technology Outreach Programme (CTOP), Village Transformation Programme (VTP), industry collaboration and mobile training units deliver high-value training on renewable energy, digital economy and agro-industry directly to local areas,” he added.
Harden stated that this ensures all Sarawakians regardless of location can take part in and benefit from the state’s high-tech economic growth.
