SEMATAN – A new Matriculation College will soon rise in Sematan, marking a significant move by the Sarawak Government to bridge the education gap in rural areas and provide greater opportunities for local students.
Tanjong Datu State Assemblyman (ADUN) Datu Azizul Annuar Adenan announced the initiative during the closing ceremony of the Sematan 2025 Festival, stating that the college will serve as a gateway to higher education for youths in Sematan, Lundu, and nearby regions.
“This is a strategic investment in our future generation. The college will empower students from rural backgrounds to pursue tertiary education closer to home, while also becoming a driver of local economic and social growth,” he said.
Datu Azizul added that the construction is expected to begin next year, pending planning and technical approvals from both the Sarawak and Federal Governments. The project reflects a collaborative commitment to rural transformation through education.
He also praised the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Sarawak for its support in organising the Sematan 2025 Festival and proposed that it become an annual fixture with broader inclusivity.
This year’s festival featured a vibrant mix of events including speed boat competitions, E-sports tournaments, folk concerts, the Joran Challenge, and the 2025 Sematan Duathlon, attracting thousands of visitors and showcasing Sematan’s potential as a hub of culture and tourism.