Meaningful work: Chiong (third from left) with Curtin Malaysia researchers (from left) Chieng, Chai and Prof Tang.
In a significant stride towards shaping an inclusive future for higher education in Sarawak, a team of academics from Curtin University Malaysia, in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak Campus, has been awarded a prestigious £10,000 (RM58,365) grant under the Advance HE Collaborative Development Fund 2024–2025.
Their research project, titled “Towards a More Inclusive Future: Is Sarawak Ready for Free Tertiary Education that Embraces Indigenous Diversity?”, will explore the region’s preparedness to implement inclusive, accessible tertiary education under the upcoming Sarawak Free Education initiative, slated for launch in 2026.
The project is led by Assoc Prof Raymond Chiong Choo Wee, and supported by an interdisciplinary team comprising Dr Fayrene Chieng Yew Leh, Delon Chai, Prof Tang Fu Ee and Assoc Prof Bibiana Lim Chiu Yiong.
“This initiative could not be more timely.
“As Sarawak moves towards free tertiary education, we need to ensure that our systems and policies are ready to support students from marginalised and indigenous backgrounds, many of whom have historically faced barriers in accessing higher education,” said Chiong.
The project will examine the unique challenges faced by students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and provide practical, evidence-based recommendations to enhance their academic success, well-being, and sense of belonging.
The research findings are expected to inform education policies not just in Sarawak, but also across South-East Asia, making it a regionally significant effort.
“This grant gives us a powerful opportunity to shape inclusive education policy at a pivotal moment.
“We hope to spark a broader conversation on equity and access – not only at Curtin and Swinburne but also across the region,” Chiong said in a press release dated April 11.
