MIRI: Sarawak is investing in free tertiary education not as a welfare initiative, but as a long-term strategy to develop the highly skilled workforce needed to drive the state’s transformation into a high-income, innovation-led economy.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) was designed to prepare future generations for emerging industries including artificial intelligence, hydrogen, semiconductors, biotechnology, aerospace and the digital economy, ensuring the state remains globally competitive in attracting high-value investments.
His speech was delivered by Minister for Transport Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin during the official opening of the Yayasan Sarawak FTES Education Expo 2026 at the Recreational Hall of Curtin University Malaysia, here on today.
Also present were Yayasan Sarawak director, Datuk Mohamad Junaidi Mohidin, senior officials from the Sarawak government, representatives of higher education institutions, educators, students and parents.
“The Sarawak government views education as its most strategic investment because the returns will benefit generations to come,” the Premier said.
He said Sarawak’s economic landscape is rapidly evolving beyond its traditional industries into renewable energy, the hydrogen economy, advanced manufacturing, digital technology and other knowledge-based sectors.
“These industries require one critical ingredient, a highly skilled workforce. Without quality talent, Sarawak cannot attract high-value investments, build future industries or compete successfully on the global stage,” he said.
The Premier said human capital development remains a key pillar of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), with education serving as the foundation for achieving Sarawak’s aspiration of becoming a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economy.
Under the FTES, eligible Sarawakian students will receive free tuition for 64 strategically identified programmes offered by state-owned higher education institutions. The programmes have been selected based on future industry demand to ensure graduates possess skills aligned with Sarawak’s economic priorities.
He said the state has also established a comprehensive talent development ecosystem that spans primary and secondary education, technical and vocational training, higher education, research, innovation and employment, enabling Sarawakians to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.
The FTES is complemented by a range of education initiatives under Yayasan Sarawak, including the Book Voucher Programme, Free Laptop Programme and Special Financial Assistance Scheme, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent deserving students from pursuing higher education.
The Premier urged young Sarawakians to seize the opportunities provided through the FTES by embracing lifelong learning, mastering emerging technologies and developing the resilience, creativity and integrity required to succeed in tomorrow’s economy.
“The government can provide opportunities, but success ultimately depends on each individual’s determination, discipline and commitment to excel,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Yayasan Sarawak FTES Education Expo 2026 provides a comprehensive platform for school leavers, students, parents and the public to explore higher education pathways, scholarship opportunities and financial assistance available through the Sarawak government.
The fifth edition of the expo is expected to attract about 19,700 visitors across 30 locations statewide. Miri, hosted by the Miri District Education Office in collaboration with Curtin University Malaysia, marked the official launch of the programme, which will continue in the Central Zone on August 1 before concluding in the Southern Zone on August 15.
The expo features participation from higher education institutions under Yayasan Sarawak, including Curtin University Malaysia, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), i-CATS University College, Kolej Laila Taib, Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS), Sarawak Skills and Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School. Visitors also have access to briefings on education sponsorships and the Free Tertiary Education Scheme.
During the ceremony, Yayasan Sarawak presented Certificates of Excellence to 1,720 outstanding SPM students and 513 high-achieving STPM students for the 2025 examination year, involving a total incentive allocation of RM1.219 million.
In his welcoming remarks, Mohamad Junaidi said the expo enables students and parents to obtain first-hand information on academic programmes, admission requirements and financial assistance directly from participating institutions.
He encouraged the public to take full advantage of the initiative in support of Sarawak’s ambition to become a developed state by 2030.
Declaring the expo open on behalf of the Premier, Lee reaffirmed the Sarawak government’s commitment to ensuring that every capable Sarawakian has access to quality higher education and the opportunity to contribute to the state’s future growth.
