KUCHING: Sarawak may expand the scope of the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) in the future to incorporate arts-related disciplines, including journalism, at state-owned universities.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that while the scheme primarily focused on science and technology-based programmes to support the state’s new economy, there was room to add selected arts-related courses to meet broader professional needs.
He said disciplines such as accounting, finance and journalism were important to ensure Sarawak developed a balanced and capable workforce across sectors.
“We want to have special studies that include journalism. Media is not just journalism; it falls under the broader media field. That is why we need quality media practitioners.
“TVS needs quality people and newspapers also need quality professionals,” he said when met after officiating at the launch of the FTES here today.
Abang Johari stressed that the FTES would be limited to Sarawak-owned institutions, ruling out collaboration with external universities.
He said institutions such as i-CATS University College, which has recently attained university status, could continue to expand, while other institutions may be added in the future once they receive recognition from the Ministry of Higher Education.
He cited the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) as a possible example of an institution that could eventually be included under the scheme, should it meet the necessary requirements.
“Then we add,” he said, referring to the gradual expansion of eligible Sarawak-owned institutions.
