KUCHING: The selected disciplines under Sarawak’s free tertiary education initiative will be announced in October this year, ahead of the first student intake in 2026.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative is part of the state’s long-term strategy to develop Sarawak through education.
“We will provide the selected discipline, it will involve quite a lot of degree programmes, and we will make the announcement by October because the first intake of university students will be next year.
“They can choose the courses and disciplines in line with us to move forward in all industries, especially those that are sophisticated and based on our new economy,” he said.
He said this during the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Integrity Day and breaking of fast event at a hotel here last night (Mar 14).
Abang Johari also mentioned that Sarawak is the only state in Malaysia bold enough to offer free tertiary education.
Meanwhile, Sarawak’s free tertiary education initiative at its state-owned universities is set to roll up in 2026.
Last month, the Premier said the Sarawakian students under the initiative will not be tied to any work bond.
“There is no bond because this is not a scholarship. If you receive a scholarship, then you are bonded, but in this case, we are offering free education because we want to upgrade our workforce.
“That is the main purpose — just discipline is needed. If we give out too many scholarships in the arts, then there will be an oversupply of arts graduates. So, we are focusing only on disciplines that are in demand, especially STEM.
“However, the arts-related fields like accounting, finance, and even law are also included because law is now an emerging discipline due to the increasing number of new legislation,” said Abang Johari.
