SIBU – The Sarawak government has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing a highly skilled and knowledgeable generation by investing in education and the green economy, including the planned Sarawak Free Higher Education Scheme (FTES) set to launch in 2026.
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Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg highlighted that education is crucial for equipping the youth to face the challenges of an open economy, particularly as Sarawak focuses on green energy and new economic initiatives.
Under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), the state has allocated RM63 billion for the first phase of the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, covering education development and green economy initiatives.
“Education is key for Sarawak’s youth to compete globally, especially in green energy. Young people must enhance their knowledge and skills to seize the opportunities this sector will create,” he said in a speech read by Sarawak Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn during the Sarawak Education Expo 2025 at the Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud Chancellor Hall, Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS), held simultaneously across 30 locations in the state.
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Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari also emphasised the importance of efficient project implementation to ensure optimal use of funding and resources. He highlighted the state’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, modelled after Norway’s global pension fund, which will reinvest savings to support future generations, including initiatives in education, talent development, and entrepreneurship.
The education expo offers students information on higher learning institutions such as Swinburne University of Technology, Curtin University Malaysia, UTS, I-CATS University College, Laila Taib College (KLT), and CENTEXS. He stressed that the Sarawak Foundation provides sponsorships for students to pursue studies at these institutions, even if they do not secure a place at IPTA.
The Premier encouraged Sarawak’s youth to cultivate a passion for learning, recognising the achievements of students who excelled in the 2024 SPM and STPM examinations, while also commending teachers and parents for their dedication and support.
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“May this expo inspires the younger generation to excel academically and contribute towards Sarawak’s vision of becoming a developed region by 2030,” he said.
