BINTULU: More than 600 students from Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak (UPMS) and nearby secondary schools took part in the Outreach Programme: Sarawak Government Briefing and Explanation held at Dewan Sri Kenyalang, UPMS, here yesterday (Oct 18).
The programme, organised by the Sarawak Premier’s Department in collaboration with UPMS, aimed to raise awareness among students of the various education schemes, scholarships, and financial assistance offered by the state government to empower the younger generation in line with the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
Jepak assemblyman Iskandar Turkee, who represented the Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, officiated at the event.
He said educational initiatives such as the outreach programme play a crucial role in shaping a knowledgeable and competitive future generation for Sarawak.
“This programme not only strengthens the collaboration between educational institutions and the government but also provides students with a clearer understanding of the opportunities and initiatives available to them,” he said, adding that today’s youth are the future leaders of the state.
Iskandar also urged students to seize the opportunities provided by the government to develop their potential and contribute to Sarawak’s growth.
The UPMS edition marked the sixth stop in a ten-series outreach tour across higher learning institutions in Sarawak.
Serving as a key platform for information sharing, the programme provides comprehensive and accessible updates on scholarships, training, and career opportunities to support students’ educational journeys.
Among the assistance schemes introduced were the Sarawak Education Loan Fund (PPS), Laptop Loan Scheme, Student Living Assistance (BSH), Sarawak Rental Assistance Scheme (SRAS), and scholarships from Yayasan Sarawak and Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS).
In a show of continued support for student welfare, Iskandar also announced a contribution of RM10,000 from the Premier of Sarawak to support the UPMS Foodbank initiative, which provides food and daily necessities for students in need.
