KUCHING – The Sarawak Government has reinforced its commitment to developing a skilled workforce by introducing academic mapping between state-owned universities and all polytechnics and vocational colleges across the state. The initiative is designed to create a seamless pathway for diploma graduates to progress into degree programmes.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr. Annuar Rapaee, explained that the mapping exercise will ensure that diploma holders from vocational and technical institutions can transfer credits directly into degree-level courses. This, he said, will remove barriers that previously discouraged students from continuing their studies.
“Last July, I directed four state universities ICATS University College, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia, and the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) to establish academic mapping with all polytechnics and vocational colleges in Sarawak.
This move allows diploma students to pursue their studies to degree level through the credit transfer system,” he said at the Matang Vocational College Appreciation and Excellence Ceremony 2025.
The Deputy Minister highlighted that aligning university courses with vocational and polytechnic programmes is essential to ensure continuity in learning. He also announced that representatives from the four universities will visit Matang Vocational College to brief students on the opportunities available from next year.
Dr. Annuar emphasised that the government does not want students to stop at the diploma level. To encourage further study, the state will introduce free higher education at all four state universities starting next year, with a particular focus on STEM-related fields. Additional student assistance schemes will also be made available.
He noted that the government has worked to ensure compatibility between vocational and university courses so that students can take full advantage of the free education policy. This, he added, is part of Sarawak’s broader strategy to prepare its youth for the demands of a modern economy while supporting the state’s long-term development goals.
The initiative builds on Sarawak’s strong record in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Recent reports show that TVET graduates in the state have achieved a 96% employability rate, reflecting the effectiveness of industry-driven training programmes in producing job-ready graduates.
The government has also set targets to increase TVET enrolment and boost the number of science-stream students by 2025, aligning with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
Observers believe that the academic mapping policy, combined with free higher education, will significantly expand opportunities for Sarawak’s youth. It is expected to encourage more students to pursue advanced qualifications, strengthen the state’s talent pool, and support industries that require highly skilled professionals.
Also present at the ceremony were Jamali Muhamad, Director of Matang Vocational College; Sathi Saravana Subramaniam, Principal Senior Assistant Director of the Learning Sector; Bolkiah Ali, Deputy District Education Officer Padawan; and Ahat @ Salim Angas, Deputy District Education Officer Kuching.
With this initiative, Sarawak is positioning itself as a leader in integrating vocational training with higher education, ensuring that its young people are equipped to contribute to the state’s economic growth and innovation agenda.
