Latest news with #FTES
Borneo Post
03-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Education mapping, credit transfer to give Sarawak's diploma holders clear and affordable path to degrees
Dr Annuar (third left) presents a certificate of appreciation to a representative from i-CATS University College. SIBU (July 3): The Sarawak government's education mapping and credit transfer initiative will ensure the state's diploma holders have a clearer and more affordable path to pursue degree qualifications. The effort was formalised through the Workshop on Education Mapping and Credit Transfer for Diploma Holders, jointly organised by the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD) and University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) here. The workshop gathered delegates from 32 diploma-awarding institutions and representatives of Sarawak-owned tertiary institutions — UTS, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia, and i-CATS University College. Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, who also chairs UTS, said the initiative ensures diploma holders can seamlessly progress to degree-level education, particularly under the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) beginning next year. 'The idea is to give an opportunity for diploma holders to further their studies to degree level, especially now, with FTES and free tertiary education. 'In other words, there is a very clear pathway for them,' Dr Annuar told reporters after closing the workshop. He said the education mapping and credit transfer scheme allows eligible diploma holders to proceed directly into the second year or third semester of degree programmes, bypassing the need to start from year one. 'They can transfer credits, which means they don't have to start again. 'This reduces the financial burden and encourages more students to pursue higher education,' he said. Dr Annuar said many diploma holders had previously opted not to further their studies due to financial concerns or the need to work immediately after graduation. 'Some couldn't afford the tuition, while others chose to work but still couldn't secure a stable job. 'Now that tertiary education is free, we want as many diploma students as possible to take this opportunity. 'But they must be clearly and effectively informed about these pathways,' he added. The workshop also addressed mapping suitable courses that support credit transfer in close collaboration with diploma colleges and participating universities. 'If diploma holders are already working, they'll need to leave their jobs and enrol full-time to benefit from free tertiary education. Part-time study is not covered under the scheme at this time,' he said. He called on institutions such as polytechnics, vocational colleges, and private diploma-awarding colleges such as Technology College Sarawak (TCS) and Kolej Laila Taib (KLT) to actively disseminate this information to their students. 'This is the best option for diploma holders who want to upgrade themselves. It's free and we've made the path clearer; but awareness is key,' Dr Annuar stressed. The initiative supports MEITD's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Quality Education and complements Sarawak's strategic efforts in talent development and education equity.
Borneo Post
26-06-2025
- Borneo Post
No agent, third party appointed to offer Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme, ministry clarifies
MEITD says that it takes seriously the information that certain parties are promising free education opportunities in exchange for payments or other forms of compensation from the public. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (June 26): The Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) has never appointed any individual, agent or third party to offer the state's Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES). It said that it takes seriously the information that certain parties are promising free education opportunities in exchange for payments or other forms of compensation from the public. It clarified that such actions are illegal and can be considered fraud attempts. 'The MEITC will not hesitate to take legal action against any individual or party found to have deceived or misused the name of MEITD of the Sarawak government for personal gain. 'As such, the public is urged not to be easily deceived by such offers and to always be cautious of individuals or parties claiming to represent the government in matters related to free education,' it said in a statement today. It added that any FTES-related official statements would only be issued by the MEITD through the official communication channels of the Sarawak Government. – Bernama education free FTES MTEID sarawak
Borneo Post
26-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak to prioritise critical, technical courses under FTES for now, says Sagah
Sagah (third left), Mohamad Kadim (second left) and others carry out the 'Ngiling Bidai' ritual marking the end of Gawai. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (June 26): The Sarawak government will prioritise critical and technical courses under its Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) to meet the growing demands of industries in the state, said State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. While acknowledging the importance of other academic fields, Sagah said the initial focus must be on areas crucial to the state's economic development. 'I cannot make the decision myself, but what I can say is that next year's FTES will only cover critical courses. 'This is because we are seriously considering the urgent needs of Sarawak's industries,' he said. He was responding to a proposal by i-CATS University College Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emeritus Datuk Ts Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi, during the institution's Gawai Celebration today, who had earlier called for the scheme to be expanded to include more disciplines. Sagah said the state government hopes to see tangible results from the initial phase of the scheme, particularly in workforce development and income growth for Sarawak. 'If successful, the scheme may be expanded. Hopefully, as more students enter the workforce and help boost the state's income, we can eventually look at including more courses beyond just the critical ones,' he added. Earlier in his speech, Mohamad Kadim proposed that FTES be extended to non-technical fields such as economics, business, hospitality, and tourism, arguing that these sectors also play a vital role in Sarawak's development. He highlighted the hospitality industry's ongoing reliance on workers from outside Sarawak, stressing the need to develop more local talent for the sector. He said by strengthening education in hospitality and tourism, there would be more opportunities for Sarawakians to fill the growing vacancies The FTES, set to be implemented in 2026, will initially cover undergraduate programmes in STEM fields, law, medicine, accounting, finance, and psychology. Participating institutions include Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Curtin University Malaysia, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), and i-CATS University College. courses Free Tertiary Education Scheme FTES Roland Sagah technical
The Sun
26-06-2025
- The Sun
Sarawak warns against fake agents offering free education scheme
KUCHING: The Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) has issued a stern warning against individuals or groups falsely claiming to represent its Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES). The ministry confirmed it has never appointed any agents or third parties to facilitate applications for the programme. Recent reports of parties soliciting payments or compensation in exchange for education opportunities under FTES have prompted the ministry to act. MEITD emphasised that such offers are fraudulent and illegal. 'The ministry will not hesitate to take legal action against those misusing MEITD or the Sarawak government's name for personal gain,' it stated today. The public is advised to verify official announcements only through Sarawak government channels. 'Always be cautious of unauthorised claims regarding free education,' the ministry added. Genuine updates on FTES will be released exclusively via official government platforms.
Borneo Post
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Dr Annuar challenges teachers to lead English education reform in Sarawak
Dr Annuar (seated centre) joins educators for a group photo during the opening ceremony of Seles 2025. BINTULU (June 11): Sarawak Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, has challenged English teachers statewide to create a holistic working paper aimed at transforming English education in the state . 'It is a very simple topic, but I want you to be more honest and more comprehensive. I want you (teachers) to come up with a programme on how to improve teaching amongst yourselves as well as learning amongst our students,' he said during the opening ceremony of the Sarawak English Language Education Symposium (Seles) 2025 here today. Dr Annuar was representing State Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. He said the Sarawak government was moving away from a top-down approach, and emphasised the need for grassroots input and empowerment of front-line educators. 'We don't want to tell you what to do – we want you to tell us what you need. If we can support it, we will. That's better than asking you to do what you don't want to do.' Dr Annuar said that excessive top-down mandates have contributed to teacher burnout and a loss of focus on core teaching duties, with too much energy being spent on administrative documentation rather than classroom instruction. Reflecting on Seles' nine-year journey, Dr Annuar said the initiative had grown significantly and it was time for critical self-assessment. 'If we had a child nine years ago, they would be in Primary 3 now. From not being able to speak, now they can speak fluently, and Seles should be the same with visible success. 'Thus, the 10th symposium next year must be a turning point – a time to evaluate progress, identify gaps and establish a strong foundation for the next phase,' he said. Dr Annuar said with the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) rolling out next year, students with a poor command of English risk being left behind. 'If our students can't speak English well, they may not benefit from FTES. That's why your role as teachers, both in primary and secondary schools, is crucial,' he said. He voiced particular concern for rural students, many of whom only encounter English in the classroom due to limited exposure at home and in their communities. 'We must prepare them properly. We've moved beyond debating why we need to emphasise English. Now it's about how we do it.' Meanwhile, the ministry's permanent secretary Adana Jed said about 200 teachers from across the northern zone of Sarawak, representing eight district Education Offices, participated in Seles 2025. He said the symposium brought together English language teachers and education officers from across Sarawak to share ideas and good practices in teaching English. 'Education is changing with the times. As technology becomes a big part of our daily lives, our English teaching must also grow and improve, not just to keep up, but to lead the way,' he said. The highlights of the three-day symposium include a keynote address by Prof Vincent Lee from Curtin University Malaysia, who will share valuable insights on English education; and two plenary sessions by the Sarawak Education Department's Learning Sector senior principal assistant director Eileen Jessie Ah Guan and SK Ulu Lubai teacher Nicholas Anderson Lim. Bintulu dr annuar rapaee education English Seles
