KUCHING: The Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) focuses on new and in-demand programmes aligned with the needs of the emerging economy, including psychology to address growing mental health challenges.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said changing lifestyles and increasing pressures in modern society had created demand for trained professionals in counselling and psychology, making the discipline essential for the future workforce.
Abang Johari said the 64 courses offered under the scheme were largely science-based, alongside accounting and finance, to ensure graduates were equipped for high-value careers.
“New lifestyles bring a lot of pressure. That is why psychology is included, because in the future there will be more stress, and we need people who understand that discipline.
“These young people will either work with major companies driving the new economy or become professionals on their own, whether in the corporate sector or with large industries.
“With higher salaries, this is how we mitigate poverty and raise household income levels,” he told the media after officiating at the launch of the FTES at the Raia Hotel and Convention Centre here today.
For its first year, the FTES covered 64 courses, including robotics, cybersecurity, finance, accounting, law and medicine.
Abang Johari said the list of programmes was not fixed and could be expanded in the future to include new disciplines and sub-disciplines in line with evolving workforce needs.
He said existing fields such as engineering could be broadened into specialised areas, while emerging sectors like cybersecurity could see additional disciplines introduced over time.
“But, I leave it to the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development and the universities to determine, as long as we prepare the right workforce for the new economy,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Abang Johari said the Sarawak Government had allocated RM250 million in 2026 to fund the scheme and assured that the programme would be sustained in the long term.
He added that the state leadership would continue to explore additional revenue sources to support the expansion of the initiative.
“This is not just for 2026. It will be sustainable. Every year, we will allocate funds, and I am confident the numbers will increase in 2027 and 2028.
“This is not rhetoric. It has already started. In 2026, this is for you – to further develop Sarawak,” he said.
