KUCHING – The SPM STAR Workshop 2025, held at the auditorium of the Kuching South City Council (MBKS), concluded with Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng urging students to maintain discipline and strong resolve as they prepare for their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations. Near 200 students from 21 schools across Kuching took part.
During his closing address, Dato Wee praised their dedication throughout the workshop. He emphasised that SPM remains an important stepping-stone toward further learning and career advancement, and encouraged students to uphold persistence and self-discipline.
A key moment in the event was the Mayor’s discussion of the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) which the Sarawak Government will implement in 2026, aimed at removing financial hurdles for higher education for Sarawakians.
Under FTES, undergraduate tuition at selected state-owned institutions will be waived. Eligible students, especially those from low-income (B40) families, will also receive an annual stipend of RM15,000 to offset living costs.
The involved institutions include Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia, University Technology Sarawak (UTS), and i-CATS University College. Covered courses are in STEM, law, medicine, accounting, and finance among others.
Aside from Government policies, the workshop was put together by the Persatuan Alumni Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar UiTM, with support from MBKS, the State Education Department (JPNS), NEXGEN Petra Jaya, and the MBKS Child Council.
Dato Wee also expressed gratitude to teachers, parents, and the organisers for their role in equipping the students with confidence and academic tools needed to succeed.
This workshop continues a trend in Sarawak of combining motivational guidance with awareness of policy changes in education, as the state works to promote equal access and support for students from diverse backgrounds.
