Latest news with #MEITD
Borneo Post
05-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier: Education, talent development remain pillars of Sarawak's growth
Sagah looks at a model rocket made by secondary school students at the event. – Photo by Galileo Petingi KUCHING (July 5): Education and human capital development remain as key pillars in Sarawak's development agenda, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He said both areas form the foundation for transforming the state's socio-economic landscape through talent cultivation, innovation, and community empowerment, in line with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). He noted that efforts under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) 2021–2025 have already begun to bear fruit, especially in enhancing the education ecosystem, expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and promoting a culture of innovation. 'Looking ahead, the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) 2026–2030 will represent the final phase of PCDS 2030's implementation. 'Preparations are underway through consultations involving various ministries, industries, academic institutions, and civil society to ensure a comprehensive, inclusive, and forward-looking strategy with human capital development at its core. 'Overall, 13MP will prioritise education and skills development to meet the needs of a knowledge-based economy. 'By nurturing a future-ready workforce and strengthening local innovation, we aim to elevate Sarawak's global competitiveness and the quality of life of its people,' he said during the opening of the Sarawak Career and Training Fair 2025 (SCaT Fair 2025) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today. His text-of-speech was read by State Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. Abang Johari further highlighted several state-led initiatives to strengthen the education and human capital sector, including the introduction of the Dual Language Programme Assessment Test (UP-DLP) for Year 6 pupils starting this October, covering Science, Mathematics, and English subjects. 'In line with our commitment to educational equity, we have also introduced the Sarawak Education Enhancement Programme (SEEP) under MEITD to support lower secondary students, especially those in Forms 3 to 5, who perform less well in the Academic Session Final Examination (UASA). 'SEEP's goal is to improve SPM outcomes, increase the number of students in the science stream, and ensure a pathway to higher education,' he said. He also announced that starting next year, the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) will be rolled out at state-owned higher learning institutions, focusing on STEM and professional fields. 'This is a strategic investment in human capital and a signal that Sarawak is preparing a future-ready workforce,' he added. The Premier also stressed that talent development extends beyond classroom learning. In this regard, the Industry Continuous Professional Development (iCPD) programme will continue, with this year's focus on training Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Coordinators. On the exhibition itself, Abang Johari described SCaT Fair as a vital platform linking youth aspirations with real opportunities within Sarawak's growing innovation ecosystem—including digital economy, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and renewable energy sectors. He also thanked MEITD and the Sarawak Foundation for Economic Empowerment (Tegas) for their continued efforts in organising the fair. . STEM abang johari education human capital development Roland Sagah
New Straits Times
05-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Abang Johari: Talent development key to Sarawak's economic transformation
KUCHING: The Sarawak government is conducting a comprehensive talent development policy study to strengthen the state's workforce pipeline, from early education to lifelong learning, in line with its Post Covid-19Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said the study, led by the state Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), aims to produce a technically skilled, agile and future ready workforce to drive Sarawak's economic transformation. "The goal is to produce a technically skilled, agile, innovative and future-ready workforce that will drive Sarawak's economic transformation and ensure long-term sustainability, in line with the goals of the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030)," he said. His speech was delivered by State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn at the opening of the 11th Sarawak Career and Training Fair (S-CAT Fair) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). Abang Johari said PCDS 2030 provides a solid foundation for reshaping Sarawak's socio-economic landscape, with a strong emphasis on talent development, innovation, and community empowerment. He said this vision is already taking shape through several transformative initiatives under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021–2025), particularly in strengthening the education ecosystem, advancing technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and fostering a culture of innovation. "Looking ahead, the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030) will mark the second and final phase of PCDS 2030," he said. Preparations for the plan are underway, involving extensive consultations with ministries, industries, academia, and civil society to develop an inclusive, forward-looking, and comprehensive strategy that places human capital development at the heart of Sarawak's growth agenda. "Broadly, the 13MP will adopt a multifaceted approach with a strong focus on education and skills development to meet the needs of a modern, knowledge-based economy. "By nurturing a future-ready workforce and encouraging local innovation, we are enhancing Sarawak's global competitiveness and improving the quality of life," he said. Abang Johari said the state aims to build a high-income society that is digitally driven and environmentally sustainable. He stressed that the jobs and industries of the future will require a workforce that is adaptable, creative, and skilled in harnessing advanced technologies. On the S-CAT Fair, he said it plays a vital role in bridging the aspirations of Sarawak's youth with emerging opportunities across the innovation ecosystem, from advanced manufacturing and biotechnology to the digital economy and renewable energy. The event is jointly organised by MEITD and Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS).
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
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.
