UEC enrollment in Sarawak universities under free tertiary education scheme by 2026, says Premier

PETALING JAYA: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said students who graduated with the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) will be eligible to enrol in state-owned institutions of higher education under the free tertiary education scheme, set to begin in 2026.

The universities are Curtin University Malaysia Sarawak Campus, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Centre of Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) and i-CATS University College.

“Sarawak recognises the UEC, and beginning in 2026, students with this certificate will be eligible for our state-owned universities under the free tertiary scheme,” said Abang Johari in a Dayak Daily report on Friday (July 12) before officiating the opening ceremony of Pei Min Middle School in Miri.

The Premier further emphasised that the recognition of the UEC is a testament to Sarawak’s dedication to embracing diverse educational backgrounds.

“Sarawak has plenty of ‘fish’. You’ve got carbon trading and hydrogen; these are all ‘fish’. But there must be people who can catch ‘fish’, so we send our students, particularly Sarawakians, to all our universities.

“They will manage our economy, and we must compete with others,” he was quoted as saying.

Abang Johari also said education is key to transforming the country’s economy.

“By investing in our youth and providing them with the best educational resources, we are securing a prosperous future for Sarawak,” he was quoted by the daily.

Abang Johari also said that collaborations with international institutions, such as Fudan University in Shanghai, China are in the exploration stages to establish advanced faculties within the state.