KUCHING: A RM6 million hostel expansion is expected to enable the Sarawak Agriculture Institute (IPS) to double its student intake to 400 by 2028.
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail said the allocation had been secured under the 13th Malaysia Plan, with construction expected to begin next year.
“We can currently accept only 200 students because of the shortage of hostel accommodation.
“We hope construction can be completed within a year, allowing us to accommodate the full capacity of 400 students in 2028,” he told reporters after representing the ministry’s minister, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, at the 21st IPS Convocation Ceremony at a hotel here today (Nov 9).
Dr Abdul Rahman said the ministry also hoped to upgrade IPS into a college offering diploma programmes, expanding its current certificate-level training.
However, the proposal remained at the planning stage.
“Currently, it is still an institute. We hope to upgrade it into a college in the future so that it can offer diploma courses,” he said.
Earlier, he encouraged IPS officers to pursue master’s degrees and doctorates to strengthen their qualifications as the institute looked towards expanding its role.
He also outlined plans for SARTECH Semenggok to bring together agricultural agencies, veterinary training and research facilities.
The convocation celebrated 90 graduates who completed training in fields including livestock management, estate management, crop production and agricultural product processing.
“Twenty per cent of this year’s graduates have already secured employment,” he said, adding that IPS had produced more than 2,000 graduates since its establishment, with an overall employment rate of 82 per cent.
