KUCHING: Sarawak students who are getting free education under the state’s free tertiary education scheme (FTES) are not tied down to any bond, state Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah told the state assembly on Monday (Oct 19).
He later explained in a media conference that the state government gave them the free education “with all sincerity” and are not tying them down to give them the freedom to choose to find employment anywhere.
“We don't bond them because we give them the freedom to choose. No strings attached.
“We only hope they can look for a job anywhere in the world.”
Sagah said their ability to find a job elsewhere would be a recognition of the state-owned educational institutions.
“It means our institutions are good.”
Sagah said it is also hoped that those students who had worked abroad would one day return, bringing their experience with them.
“Hopefully, by then our economy has grown and we can give them better pay.”
Earlier, in winding up debates on his ministry, Sagah told the assembly that the student intake in the four Sarawak-owned institutions of higher learning (SIHLs) had jumped by 128.5% compared to last year prior to the roll out of FTES.
He said 3,491 students enrolled for the 64 courses to qualify for the free education, compared to 1,528 in the 2025 intake.
Sagah also told lawmakers that as of Sept 30, 6,246 students have accepted the FTES at Curtin University Malaysia, i-CATS University College, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus and University of Technology Sarawak.
He said Curtin University took in 949 students, i-CATS 464, Swinburne taking the bulk at 2,802 students and University of Technology Sarawak 2,031.
Sagah reiterated that his ministry “remains committed to the continued implementation of FTES, to ensure that eligible Anak Sarawak have greater access to quality higher education, without the financial burden of tuition fees”.
The 64 courses, he said, cover a range of disciplines relevant to Sarawak's strategic economic priorities, including the hydrogen economy, precision agriculture, data centre development and the aerospace industry.
"We are confident that this momentum will be sustained."
