Sarawak’s free education initiative driven by social contribution

SERIAN: The Sarawak government’s plan to provide free education at state-owned universities by 2026 is rooted in the principle of social contribution or ‘sedekah’.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to reinvest its revenue into the people, particularly in education.

He said this is to ensure that all Sarawakian students have access to higher learning regardless of background.

“This is ‘sedekah’. Since we have the means, we will use our resources to support our children’s education.

“It doesn’t matter their background. If they have the opportunity to pursue knowledge, they should.

“We provide free education to our children, and we extend that knowledge to elevate humanity, especially here in Sarawak,” he said at the state-level Nuzul Al-Quran event at Darul Makmur Mosque here last night (Mar 17).

Addressing young people, Abang Johari stressed the importance of using technology responsibly, such as social media, likening it to a knife — helpful when used correctly, but dangerous if misused.

He also spoke on artificial intelligence (AI), noting that while AI can process vast amounts of data, it cannot replicate divine guidance or ‘hidayah’.

“To have the right mindset, we must return to the Quran. Social media, like a knife, can be used for good or harm,” he added.

He stressed that the government must be made up of knowledgeable individuals who can also uplift the economy.

“Alhamdulillah, we in the state government have been blessed with ‘hidayah’ on how to develop hydrogen, how to implement the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system and so on.

“No matter how advanced AI becomes, it is still based on algorithms. Scientists have yet to create something that can provide ‘hidayah’, only Allah can grant that.

“To the young generation, hold on to the Al-Quran. No matter how skilled you are, inspiration comes from Allah,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, the Sarawak government is gearing up to provide free tertiary education to 25,000 students starting from 2026.

The programme will be available at institutions such as Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Curtin University Malaysia, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), i-CATS University College, and Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS).

The initiative also aligns with the state’s goal of becoming a developed state by 2030, which requires a skilled workforce to drive innovation and progress.