SIBU: University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) could achieve its goal of 4,000 students by 2024 earlier than expected, says Dr Annuar Rapaee.
According to the UTS Board of Directors chairman, UTS is excited with this latest improvement regarding the number of student admissions.
“A total of 750 students have already started their studies while another 265 are scheduled to enter next September.
“The number of admissions is a new record since UTS was established 10 years ago,” he told the media after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between UTS and Hock Peng Group here on Thursday (Aug 4).
Dr Annuar, who is also Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, said there was optimism that UTS would not have to wait much longer to achieve its target. “If we accept 1,200 to 1,400 students every year, we will not have to wait another four years.”
He also pointed out that scholarship provided by the Sarawak government was one of the factors that triggered the increase in the number of students.
“The UTS Scholarship Scheme helps to reduce 80 per cent of tuition fees for Sarawakians in the B40 and M40 categories.
“This scheme will accommodate a total of 100 Bumiputera students and 100 non-Bumiputera students per year.”
He said he would discuss with the UTS management board about increasing the number of other facilities for the convenience of students.
“When the number of students increases, of course UTS will face various issues, including in terms of facilities, academic staff and also hostels.
“I am very concerned about this matter because UTS is an opportunity for students who are unable to continue their studies at a public institution of higher learning.
“For that reason, I emphasised to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and UTS vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid that UTS needs to provide sufficient facilities, especially for less able students.”
Also present were Hock Peng managing director Datuk Toh Chew Hock and deputy managing director of Hock Peng Group of Companies, Pemanca Datuk Dr Francis Toh Chiew Peng.
