KUCHING: i-CATS University College held its registration day on Monday (Jan 12) as new students reported to campus to complete enrolment procedures for the new academic intake, marking one of the earliest intakes under Sarawak’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES).
The registration coincided with i-CATS receiving its first intake of students eligible under FTES, a state initiative that fully covers tuition fees for Sarawakian students enrolling in state-owned institutions.
The scheme has broadened access to higher education and encouraged individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue or resume tertiary studies.
Among those registering was Philip Ting, 29, who enrolled in the Bachelor of Software Engineering programme.
He said FTES gave him a second chance to pursue higher education without financial pressure.
“When I read about FTES, I felt it was a second chance for me, which allowed me to return to university and study a field that suits my interests.
“The initiative supports Sarawak’s focus on science and technology-driven development.”
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Entia, 21, who enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agrotechnology programme, said FTES had significantly reduced the cost burden on her family.
“Free education really helps us, especially in managing daily and study-related expenses, and the initiative enables more students from modest backgrounds to continue their studies.”
Parents accompanying students also welcomed the scheme, describing FTES as a transformative policy for Sarawakian families.
Zulkernain Fasil, 49, who accompanied his daughter to register for an agrotechnology degree programme, said free tertiary education had lifted a major financial burden for many parents.
“Free education under FTES is meant for Sarawak’s children.
“This is one of the best initiatives by the Sarawak government because it removes financial worries and gives students the motivation to continue studying and improving themselves.”
He said the scheme was especially meaningful for families who might otherwise struggle with education costs.
“When tuition fees are fully covered, parents can focus on daily living expenses while their children concentrate on learning.
“In the long term, this will help create better job opportunities and allow Sarawakians to work and serve in Sarawak itself.”
According to Hamitaf Muhammad Nazir, 56, another parent present, FTES reflects the Sarawak government’s long-term planning by prioritising science-based courses such as agrotechnology to support future employment pathways.
“The FTES has eased the financial burden on families and given more Sarawakian students the confidence to pursue higher education aligned with the state’s development needs.
“And we are grateful to the Premier for having the vision and courage to introduce FTES, because it shows real concern for the education of Sarawakian children and clear planning for Sarawak’s future.”
Meanwhile, Hamitaf’s daughter, Nur Halimah Hamitaf, 22, who is also enrolled in the agrotechnology programme, said FTES enabled her to pursue higher education closer to home.
“Studying in Sarawak under FTES allows me to continue learning without placing a burden on my family.”
Another student, Alan Chew Chun Hung, 22, who registered for the Bachelor of Software Engineering programme, said qualifying for FTES reduced stress over education costs.
“It helps my family worry less about fees, and it gives me better focus on preparing for employment.”
The registration day highlighted the early impact of FTES in widening access to tertiary education, as more Sarawakian youths and adults take advantage of free education to build skills aligned with the state’s future economic needs.
For the record, the FTES rollout beginning this year involves four Sarawak-owned higher education institutions: Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Curtin University Malaysia, University of Technology Sarawak, and i-CATS University College.
