KUCHING – The Rakan Komuniti TEGAS 2026 programme has concluded with a strong emphasis on empowering school counsellors as key education frontliners across Sarawak.
The closing ceremony, held at TEGAS Digital Village on 22 April, was officiated by TEGAS Deputy Chairman Datuk Dr Jerip Anak Susil.
The initiative, implemented in Kuching, Sibu and Miri, engaged 225 school counsellors through a series of sessions with TEGAS, the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), and the Sarawak State Education Department (JPNS).
Counsellors also attended briefings on higher education opportunities and visited universities and technical training institutions to gain direct insights into available pathways.
The programme aims to strengthen Sarawak’s education ecosystem by equipping counsellors with the tools and knowledge to guide students towards opportunities under the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES).
It also highlights pathways in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as well as technical and vocational education and training (TVET), aligning with Sarawak’s long-term workforce needs.
Datuk Dr Jerip emphasised that counsellors play a crucial role in shaping students’ futures, particularly in helping them navigate career choices and educational opportunities.
He noted that the programme reflects Sarawak’s commitment to building a structured and inclusive education system that supports students from diverse backgrounds.
Participants reported that the sessions provided valuable exposure to new approaches in student guidance, particularly in linking education with industry demands.
By strengthening the role of counsellors, the initiative ensures that students are better informed about opportunities available to them, while also encouraging them to pursue fields critical to Sarawak’s economic growth.
The collaboration between TEGAS, MEITD and JPNS demonstrates a unified effort to create a more resilient education framework.
With the integration of FTES, STEM and TVET pathways, the programme is expected to produce a generation of students who are not only academically prepared but also equipped with skills relevant to the state’s development agenda.
Observers note that the initiative reflects Sarawak’s broader ambition to position itself as a hub for talent development and innovation. By empowering counsellors, the state is investing in a sustainable education model that bridges the gap between schools, higher education institutions and industry.
The Rakan Komuniti TEGAS 2026 programme is anticipated to continue shaping education strategies in the years ahead, reinforcing the role of counsellors as vital partners in guiding students towards success.
