KUCHING: A significant increase in enrolment, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, reflects the overwhelmingly positive response to the implementation of the Sarawak Government’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) at four state-owned higher education institutions this year.
In stating this, Yayasan Sarawak Director, Datuk Mohamad Junaidi Mohidin, said that feedback received so far shows a positive trend based on ongoing registration data at several state-owned universities.
“So far, the feedback has been very encouraging. Based on the registration process currently underway at several Sarawak Government-owned universities, there has been a significant increase in enrolment numbers, particularly in STEM programmes,” he said.
He said this during a press conference after paying a courtesy call on the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Satria Pertiwi Complex here today.
Elaborating further, Junaidi said that in addition to implementing free tertiary education, Yayasan Sarawak also provides various forms of education financing, including full scholarships and loan scholarships for Sarawakian students pursuing tertiary studies.
“Under Yayasan Sarawak, various forms of education financing are also provided, including full scholarships for further studies as well as loan scholarships for Sarawakian students continuing their education at the tertiary level,” he added.
With the surge in STEM enrolment, the move is seen as aligning with future workforce demands that require expertise in technology, engineering and innovation, while strengthening Sarawak’s economic transformation agenda towards a high-income, technology-driven economy.
