THE Sarawak government will offer free full-time higher education to native-born Sarawakians from next year, including those already in employment who have not had the chance to further their studies.
Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg made the announcement during the state-level Labour Day 2025 celebrations, urging Sarawakians to embrace the opportunity to return to campus as mature students and gain up-to-date knowledge in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
“You only need to be interested in studying to upskill. Anyone already working and holding a diploma can return to campus as a mature student.
“Learning is a lifelong process because technology is constantly evolving,” he said.
The initiative is part of the state government’s wider effort to invest in human capital through tertiary education and vocational skills training.
At a press conference following the event, Abang Johari emphasised that the scheme would be fully state-funded and limited to full-time programmes.
“Among the conditions, applicants must be native-born Sarawakians,” he said.
The programme will begin with funding for 64 selected courses at state-affiliated institutions, including i-CATS University College, Sarawak Centre of Technology Excellence (CENTEXS), University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia, and the Sarawak campus of Swinburne University of Technology. - May 18, 2025
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