KUCHING: Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, Malaysia Agreement 1963 and Federal-State Relations, Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali urged Sarawakian students to seize the opportunity of studying at the tertiary level.
“Especially now, with Sarawak implementing its free education policy in five state-owned universities beginning this year, there is no reason for our children to feel left behind. This policy reflects the state government’s strong commitment to investing in human capital and ensuring that every Sarawakian child, regardless of background or location, has access to quality education.
She reiterated that these opportunities are not given lightly, as it is meant to uplift the future generation of Sarawak, adding that students must remain focused in their studies, and strive for excellence.
Sharifah stressed that the state government has put in place comprehensive support, from primary education through to higher learning, to ensure that financial constraints do not become a barrier to students’ success.
She said this during the Petronas Wakalah Zakat Back to School 2026 program, a part of Badan Kebajikan Islam Petronas Wilayah Sarawak (Bakip Sarawak) corporate social responsibility (CSR), at Dewan Sabati here yesterday (Jan 17).
“Parents and communities also play an important role in encouraging and supporting children to make full use of these benefits. This is a golden opportunity for Sarawak’s young generation. Do not miss it. Through education, our children will be empowered to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development, break the cycle of poverty, and help build a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Sarawak,” she added.
Sharifah, who is also Semariang assemblywoman pointed out that students must feel confident that they are capable of contributing to the state’s strategies and long-term direction.
“The Premier has announced that beginning 2026, Sarawakian children will be able to enjoy free education at universities owned by the Sarawak government. Any Sarawakian student that have completed Form Five, and qualifies for university admission will receive free university education, if they enrol in a state-owned university. The Sarawak Government will fully bear the cost of their studies,” she said.
These universities include Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia, i-CATS University College, University Technology Sarawak and Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS).
“The Premier continues to place strong emphasis on education. He has stated that one of the most effective ways to break free from the cycle of poverty is by providing access to the best education for our children, starting from the preschool level,” she said.
Also present at the event were PETRONAS Sarawak senior general manager, Strategic Relations and Communications Anuar Ismail, PETRONAS Sarawak general manager, who is also Bakip patron, Norazibah Mohd Rabu, Sarawak State Education Department assistant director (Education sector) Ramona Hamden, Kuching District Education officer, Majelan Sulong and other dignitaries.
