SARAWAK'S government will spend more than RM1 billion over three years to implement its free higher education initiative, with the first phase launching next year, Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg announced.
Speaking at the 70th anniversary celebration of the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) last night, the Premier said the programme is expected to cost over RM400 million in its first year, doubling in the second year.
"I will announce the exact allocation during the tabling of the State Budget at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting this November," he said.
Despite the high financial commitment, Abang Johari affirmed the state’s unwavering determination to see the initiative through, particularly to support students enrolled at the five state-owned higher education institutions.
He stressed that investing in education was integral to Sarawak’s vision for long-term socio-economic development and called for continued unity among its people to drive forward the state’s growth agenda.
Looking ahead, Abang Johari said the state’s future economic focus would shift away from traditional reliance on oil and gas towards cutting-edge industries, including hydrogen energy and semiconductor manufacturing.
“The income potential from the hydrogen industry is significant, and we will also be producing our own semiconductor chips,” he said.
According to the Premier, state-owned company SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd is currently collaborating with two international tech firms to develop compound semiconductor chips using Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology.
This initiative, he said, could enable Sarawak to design and manufacture its own chips for future-generation applications, positioning the state at the forefront of Southeast Asia’s tech ecosystem.
Abang Johari also revealed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had recently asked him to present a paper on Sarawak’s semiconductor strategy at the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur next month.
“Sarawak cannot rely solely on oil and gas. While those remain our rights and sources of income, the returns from future-facing technologies like hydrogen and semiconductors will be far greater,” he said. - September 14, 2025
