KUCHING: Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus recorded its largest-ever Open Day turnout, drawing more than 1,000 visitors, as the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) boosts access to higher education.
The event, held last Saturday (April 11) at its Jalan Simpang Tiga campus, saw strong interest from prospective students and parents, particularly on the newly introduced FTES initiative.
FTES, introduced by the Sarawak Government, enables eligible Sarawakians to pursue higher education at state-owned institutions beginning 2026, with tuition fees covered for approved undergraduate programmes and additional stipends for lower-income households.
At Swinburne Sarawak, the scheme currently covers 22 undergraduate programmes across Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and professional fields, aligned with the state’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
The strong turnout reflects growing awareness and demand for affordable tertiary education, including among rural families who previously viewed university education as financially out of reach.
Visitor engagement remained high throughout the event, with one-on-one consultations, academic briefings, and a dedicated FTES talk session drawing significant interest from parents and students seeking clarity on eligibility and application processes.
Parent Dr Jasmine Andrew described FTES as a major support for families.
“FTES offers families the opportunity for their children to further their education. The scheme lightens parents’ financial burden, allowing them to focus more on their children’s wellbeing,” she said, adding that Swinburne’s established reputation made it an attractive option under the scheme.
Another parent, Jennifer Lai, welcomed the initiative, encouraging Sarawakian families to take advantage of the opportunity.
“We do not have to send our children overseas to pursue an Australian degree because we have Swinburne Sarawak right here,” she said.
Prospective students also expressed optimism over the scheme’s impact.
Muhammad Adam Haiqal said FTES opened doors for those who might not otherwise afford private university education, particularly in rural areas, while Mohammad Fikri Hakim noted that the scheme had changed his family’s perception of private universities due to improved affordability and career prospects.
Beyond financial accessibility, the Open Day provided visitors with insights into academic programmes and campus life, including guided tours and interactions with students and faculty members.
The event also featured interactive exhibits by the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science, including a robot named Robert that guided visitors around the venue.
External agencies such as Yayasan Sarawak, Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional (PTPTN), and Universiti Malaya were also present to provide further guidance on funding and education pathways.
