Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme To Continue Beyond 2026 - Abang Johari

KUCHING, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak state government is committed to continuing the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) beyond 2026, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Abang Johari said that an allocation of RM250 million has been set aside for the FTES next year.

“This FTES initiative is not only for 2026, but it will also be sustainable towards the future. Every year, we will continue to provide it. To keep giving, we must have the funds, and that is the work of your leaders to find the resources; we will do that part.

“We do not want parents to worry. Sarawakian parents do not need to set aside income for their children’s tertiary education,” he said during the launch of the FTES initiative here today.

Abang Johari said he is confident in the state government’s ability to sustain the FTES.

“Tertiary education has become the responsibility of the state government, but I am not worried. I can assure you that as long as we have good governance and leaders who are sincere in managing the state, we can carry through this programme,” he said.

On Dec 1, State Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said 64 courses have been approved under the FTES across four Sarawak-owned higher learning institutions, namely Swinburne University of Technology, Curtin University of Technology Sarawak, University of Technology Sarawak and i-CATS University College.

The FTES will not only covers tuition fees but also provides a monthly stipend to eligible students to support their basic living expenses throughout the duration of their studies.

The scheme focuses on undergraduate degree programmes in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), medicine, law, accounting, finance and psychology to meet Sarawak’s talent development needs.

-- BERNAMA