KUCHING: In a move to make development more inclusive, the Sarawak Government is banking on education as its most powerful weapon, with the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) and international school access forming key pillars of PCDS 2030.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the the free tertiary education initiative (FTES), starting next year, is a step towards providing opportunities for Sarawakian children without them having to worry about their families’ financial ability.
“As reported in the recent State Legislative Assembly sitting, this initiative is estimated to cost RM300 million in its first year, beginning next year, to support 10,000 students enrolled in four state-owned universities.
“It includes free tuition fees and an annual allowance of RM15,000 for students from families earning RM1,500 or less per month.
“Priority will be given to studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), medicine, law, accounting, finance and psychology, as I am confident these fields will equip Sarawak’s youth to meet the demands of an evolving job market,” he said.
He said this in his statement issued today, whereby he shared on the direction of the GPS Government’s development transformation programme.
Abang Johari said that the programme is particularly one that he is confident will empower the economic and social standing of the Dayak community, especially those living in rural areas and within the B40 income group.
“One of the main pillars of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) is to ensure that development plans in Sarawak are inclusive.
“In other words, the state’s prosperity must benefit all Sarawakians, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or place of residence.
“I strongly believe that education is the most powerful means to ensure every community in this state shares in its development,” he said.
Additionally, he added that the establishment of Yayasan Sarawak International Schools is also an initiative to provide opportunities for Sarawakian children to receive education on par with international standards.
“Admission to these international schools is open to all Sarawakian children who have shown excellent academic performance, especially the children of farmers, fishermen, and those in the B40 group.
“Through this initiative, I am confident that many Sarawakian youths will have the chance to be accepted into prestigious universities, such as the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, as well as Stanford University in the United States,” he added.
