
Free tertiary education in Sarawak modelled on Nordic, German models
He said these countres, along with Germany, are known worldwide for their high and robust economic growth.
"That is why we model our free tertiary education initiative on the free education systems of these countries," he said at a townhall during the Sarawak Day celebration here.
"We want our students to have the latest knowledge for the state's future," he said.
He said the goal is to replicate the economic growth seen in those countries.
The SFTE initiative will begin next year at five state-owned institutions: Swinburne University of Technology in Kuching, Curtin University of Technology in Miri, University Technology Sarawak in Sibu, I-Cats College University in Kuching and Centre of Technological Excellence Sarawak in Kuching.
He said the state has no plans to extend SFTE to Sarawakians at federal universities.
The initiative is limited to Sarawakians enrolled at the five state-run universities.
"If we want to expand to other universities, they are financed by the federal government. We don't want to interfere with what the federal government is doing," he said.
Abang Johari said applications to state-owned institutions are not subject to UPU criteria set by the higher education ministry.
He cited many cases where students applying for an engineering course were instead diverted to study an arts subject.
He added that students with the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) from Chinese schools will be accepted if they meet entry requirements, and even those from poor families can pursue higher education in state-run institutions.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Borneo Post
an hour ago
- Borneo Post
Telang Usan rep urges rural students to embrace higher education opportunities
Yap (third left) officiates the Tegas Project of Dream Realised (Pro-DR) roadshow 2025 on behalf of Dennis at SMK Long Lama, Baram yesterday as others look on. MIRI (July 29): Rural students are urged to seize the opportunity to further their studies to higher levels, taking advantage of various financial assistance schemes and other educational initiatives provided by the Sarawak government for a brighter future, said Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau. He said the Sarawak government has, over the years, taken proactive measures in the education sector to ensure that all Sarawakians, including those in rural areas, have access to quality education and the chance to improve their standard of living. 'Among the steps taken are through the state government's scholarship and financial aid programmes, which include various forms of scholarships, education loans and financial assistance such as the Yayasan Sarawak Scholarships, Yayasan Sarawak Study Loans and the Sarawak Tertiary Education Loan (STEL),' he said in his speech at the for Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas) Project of Dream Realised (Pro-DR) roadshow 2025 held at SMK Long Lama, Baram yesterday. His speech was delivered by his representative, Penghulu Desmond Yap. He further noted that the establishment of the Yayasan Sarawak International Schools is also a commendable initiative as it provides opportunities for high-achieving students from low- and middle-income families to access international-standard education either for free or at subsidised rates. Dennis, who also sits on the board of trustees for Tegas said the state government is equally attentive to the welfare of students in rural areas by working closely with the federal government to upgrade dilapidated schools and enhance educational facilities in the interior. 'These measures clearly reflect the Sarawak government's strong commitment to empowering its people through education, with the aim of nurturing competitive human capital prepared to face future challenges,' he added. On the outreach roadshow, Dennis said that the roadshow programme is a travelling education and career carnival organised by the Sarawak government through Tegas, with the support of the state Education Department. 'This edition of the roadshow features the participation of more than 30 institutions of higher learning and training, government agencies, and organisations offering financial assistance,' he said. He added that the main objective of the roadshow is to help rural students pursue their dream careers through education, regardless of their academic qualifications. 'Aside from the education fair and information booths on financial assistance, there are also side activities such as talks, exhibitions and interactive sessions aimed at raising awareness on digital innovation opportunities in TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), within the context of the digital economy,' he said. He called on all students, especially those in rural areas, to make full use of the opportunity to visit the booths and gather information about study opportunities, available courses and financial aid options. At the same function, Dennis also announced an allocation of RM15,000 for the establishment of a Tegas Think & Thinker (T&T) mini lab at SMK Long Lama. 'This is part of our efforts to improve the quality of education for students in the area, ensuring they are not left behind in terms of technological knowledge and that they have the opportunity to explore their talents in the field of innovation,' he said. Among those present were Telang Usan district officer Ezra Uda, SMK Long Lama's senior assistant (administration) Ting Shiau Kiong, Tegas Community Innovative Learning senior manager Fredrick Kevin Buseli and SMK Long Lama Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) chairman Geoffrey Lejau Lucas.


Borneo Post
17 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Nam Cheong unveils Malaysia's first purpose-built multi-purpose support vessel at IEW 2025
Abang Johari (right) with Leong during the showcase of SKG 520 at IEW 2025 held here recently. KUCHING (July 28): Nam Cheong Group, Malaysia's largest offshore support vessel (OSV) builder and a leading integrated marine solutions provider, has unveiled the SKG 520, the country's first purpose-built multi-purpose support vessel (MPSV) owned by a Malaysian and Sarawakian company. The SKG 520 was showcased at the International Energy Week (IEW) 2025 held here recently and has attracted strong interest from key government leaders and industry players. The group in a statement said the SKG 520 is designed to serve both traditional oil and gas as well as the fast-growing renewable energy sectors. It features five modular configurations tailored for specific offshore operations, offering versatility. These include a geotechnical drilling rig for seabed surveys, a remote-operated vehicle system for underwater inspections, an air diving module for subsea work, a survey suite equipped with streamers and sonars, and a walk-to-work gangway for safe personnel transfer to offshore platforms. Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg toured the SKG 520 exhibit at IEW, joined by Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni. The group added that its innovation stems from its success in retrofitting vessels for emerging energy markets. The SKG 520 concept draws from the SK Eonik, which was upgraded for offshore wind support and is now on a 2+2 year charter in Japan. This track record highlights Nam Cheong's global reach and adaptability. Group CEO Leong Seng Keat said the vessel reflects Nam Cheong's drive for engineering excellence and future-ready solutions. 'The SKG 520 is a testament to Nam Cheong Group's unwavering commitment to engineering excellence and our proactive approach in addressing the evolving demands of the global energy landscape. 'As Sarawak positions itself as a leader in the green hydrogen economy and offshore renewables, the SKG 520 stands ready as a versatile, purpose-built asset, proudly owned by a Malaysian and Sarawakian company, to support these critical developments both locally and internationally,' he said. Founder Tan Sri Datuk Tiong Su Kouk added that the vessel represents decades of shipbuilding progress rooted in Sarawak. 'The SKG 520 embodies our legacy of innovation and adaptability, showcasing the advanced capabilities of our Miri Dockyard and our skilled workforce. 'This vessel is not just a new build; it is a symbol of our dedication to providing integrated marine solutions that are truly future-ready,' he added. The SKG 520 will undergo its formal naming ceremony in August. MPSV nam cheong offshore support vessel OSV


Borneo Post
19 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Abang Johari in Jakarta for pre-meeting ahead of Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Consultation
Abang Johari's arrival at Jakarta today – Photo from Ukas KUCHING (July 28): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has arrived in Jakarta with the Sarawak government delegation to attend a pre-meeting session in conjunction with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's official visit to Indonesia and the 13th Annual Malaysia–Indonesia Consultation today. According to a report from Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Abang Johari and his delegation landed safely at Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport at 11.17am local time before heading to Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta. He was accompanied by Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication (Sarawak Energy Berhad and PETROS) Dato Ibrahim Baki. During his stay in Jakarta, he is scheduled to join Anwar in several official programmes, including a meeting with senior editors from Indonesian media and members of the Malaysia-Indonesia Journalists' Friendship Association (ISWAMI), as well as a bilateral meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo at the Merdeka Palace on Tuesday. The programme will also see the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on health cooperation between Malaysia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Indonesia's Minister of Health. Both delegations are then scheduled to hold the 13th Annual Consultation session, which is an important platform for strengthening Malaysia-Indonesia bilateral ties. Abang Johari will also join the Malaysian delegation for a visit to the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta. The visit includes a tree-planting ceremony, a group photo session to mark Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, a guest book signing, and the symbolic handover of a painting to reaffirm regional cooperation. Abang Johari Tun Openg anwar ibrahim bilateral ties Indonesia-Malaysia lead