SIBU – The proposal to establish a medical school at Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS) has advanced significantly, following interest from a leading university in the United Kingdom to collaborate on its development.
Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (Education and Innovation), Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, confirmed that discussions with the UK institution had yielded encouraging feedback, signalling strong prospects for Sarawak’s ambition to enhance its higher education sector.
“We have received good feedback from one of the best universities in the UK to collaborate with us to develop this medical school. I have been working hard on this for the past few weeks and we hope it can be realised,” he said during the 2025 Education Development Programme Appreciation Ceremony at RH Hotel, Sibu.
The state government is expected to appoint a panel of five experts by 1 January to conduct a feasibility study. Their findings will determine the most effective framework for establishing the medical faculty.
Dr Annuar explained that this initiative forms part of a broader strategy to empower UTS and expand opportunities for Sarawak’s younger generation.
UTS has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with student enrolment rising from just over 1,000 to more than 5,000, reaching its current capacity.
The next stage of development aims to elevate the university’s standing both within Sarawak and nationally.
Dr Annuar also highlighted the importance of the Sarawak Free Higher Education Scheme (FTES), which offers 64 courses across STEM and non-STEM fields.
He urged teachers to guide students carefully when selecting Package A, B or C, stressing that the scheme allows applicants to bypass the centralised UPU system and apply directly to universities.
“FTES is a great opportunity. Students can choose the courses they are interested in and apply to the universities of their choice without being bound by the UPU system.
If eligible, they may receive offers from all the universities they applied to,” he said, adding that schools should engage parents early next year to ensure informed decisions are made.
At the ceremony, Dr Annuar expressed gratitude to educators for their dedication in implementing initiatives such as Laman Ilmu, STEM50 and KLIKSPM (SPM Excellence Intensive Training Clinic). These programmes, he noted, have contributed positively to student performance.
Certificates of appreciation were presented to 102 recipients, including nine participants from Laman Ilmu, 33 from KLIKSPM and 60 from STEM50.
The event also acknowledged the contributions of 21 volunteers from the Rumpun Pewaris Sibu Youth Club (RPS) and the Sibu Bumiputera Graduates Association (PGBS), who supported the programmes.
The collaboration with the UK university, if finalised, is expected to mark a milestone in Sarawak’s education landscape, positioning UTS as a hub for medical training and research in the region.
