Premier: Free Tertiary Education Scheme's long-term sustainability to be prioritised with any expansion plans
MIRI (July 23): Any expansion of Sarawak's Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) must be carefully deliberated to ensure its long-term sustainability, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Premier said this in response to questions from students during the town hall in conjunction with Sarawak Day here yesterday, where FTES was enthusiastically discussed.
Abang Johari explained the tertiary institutions that will offer free education to Sarawakians next year are state-owned.
'We want to send 'Anak Sarawak' to these institutions and the latter's tuition fees will be taken care of by the state government.
'If we brazenly expand the initiative to other institutions, particularly those owned by the federal government, it might not be possible because they don't offer that,' he said.
He pointed out that the state government decided to introduce the programme after improving its revenue from RM6 billion to over RM12 billion as this would ensure the programme could be a long-term one.
'Now that we are able to implement it, we are doing it carefully to make sure all Sarawakians can benefit from it,' he added.
On his hope for the future of Sarawak and its development, Abang Johari said the younger generation should prepare themselves to lead.
'Self-confidence, discipline, social interaction skills, and the ability to work as a team are the four essential criteria that will shape Sarawak's future leaders,' he said.
Abang Johari is seen in a group photo with the town hall attendees.
These qualities are important not only for individual success, but also for building a resilient society that can adapt to rapid changes in technology, economy, and global dynamics, he stated.
Abang Johari stressed that Sarawak's ongoing transformation agenda, particularly in digital economy, green energy (methanol production), and the recent launch of the KETEQ AI nano chip are among the government's efforts to improve and upgrade the state's economy to attract young Sarawakian talents to return to the state.
He also reminded students that while artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most widely used technologies today and has the potential to ease many aspects of work, it must be approached with caution.
'Like deepfakes, imagine President Donald Trump speaks fluent Iban, it would be both absurd and alarming,' he said.
He emphasised that using AI effectively requires not only a solid understanding of the technology, but also a strong ethical foundation and critical thinking skills as misusing AI could negatively impact society.
The town hall session moderated by Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala was attended by over 1,500 including ministers and deputy ministers; students from 17 secondary schools and 11 public tertiary institutions; and representatives from 20 non-governmental organisations.
Sarawak Day celebration minister in charge Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin presents a memento to Abang Johari. Also seen is Gerawat. Abang Johari Free Tertiary Education Scheme lead
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