KUCHING: The Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) is not merely about waiving university fees, but a long-term legacy investment to secure Sarawak’s future and strengthen its nation-building agenda.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said Sarawak has made history by becoming the first state in Malaysia and the Asean region to implement a comprehensive free tertiary education initiative.
“FTES is about ensuring that the next generation of anak Sarawak are able to sustain, lead and continue the success of Sarawak’s nation-building journey. The scheme was designed not only to produce a highly skilled and future-ready workforce, but also to ensure that access to higher education is based on merit and capability, rather than financial constraints.
“Under the scheme, Sarawakian students from diverse education pathways including A-Levels or matriculation from national schools, Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) from Chinese independent schools, as well as GCSE and Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) qualifications from international schools are eligible to apply,” he said.
The FTES was launched by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Thursday (Dec 18). It will be implemented from February next year, involving four Sarawak-owned institutions of higher learning (SIHL).
Although education falls under federal jurisdiction, Dr Sim said the Sarawak government has taken a proactive role by allocating RM665 million from the state’s RM14.1 billion budget towards education initiatives.
“Out of this allocation, RM250 million has been specifically set aside for FTES, which will enable between 8,000 and 9,000 anak Sarawak to pursue their undergraduate studies with fully subsidised tuition fees at the four state-owned universities,” he said.
