- Sarawak launches Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) to make higher education accessible to all eligible students, regardless of income.
- RM250 million allocated to fund 64 bachelor’s programmes, benefiting nearly 10,000 students across priority economic sectors.
- Initiative aims to build a future-ready workforce, strengthening human capital to support Sarawak’s transition to a high-income economy.
Sarawak is taking a decisive step towards building a future-ready workforce with the introduction of its Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), a bold initiative aimed at ensuring that higher education becomes accessible to all eligible students in the state. The programme reflects the Sarawak government’s broader vision of developing a highly educated, skilled, and competitive talent pool capable of driving the state’s transition into a high-income economy.
Announcing the initiative, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government is placing strong emphasis on human capital development as a cornerstone of long-term economic growth. He noted that education remains one of the most powerful tools for social mobility and innovation, and that Sarawak must invest decisively in its people to remain competitive in an increasingly knowledge-driven global economy. “We want to nurture knowledgeable, highly skilled Sarawakians who can contribute meaningfully to the state’s development”, he said.
Under the scheme, a total of 64 bachelor’s degree programmes have been identified for inclusion, covering priority fields aligned with the state’s future economic needs. The initiative is expected to benefit around 10,000 students, with the government committing an estimated RM250 million to fund the programme. According to Abang Johari, this significant investment underscores Sarawak’s belief that spending on education is not a cost, but a long-term investment in sustainable growth and prosperity.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Free Tertiary Education Scheme is its inclusive nature. The programme is open to all eligible students, regardless of their family income background. This, the Premier said, reflects the state government’s firm belief that access to higher education should be treated as a basic need rather than a privilege. By removing financial barriers, the scheme aims to ensure that talent and potential not economic circumstance determine who gets the opportunity to pursue tertiary education.
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Four Sarawak-owned higher education institutions will play a central role in implementing the scheme. These institutions are expected to work closely with the state government to ensure that academic offerings remain relevant, industry-aligned, and responsive to emerging skills demands. The involvement of local institutions also strengthens Sarawak’s higher education ecosystem, reinforcing its capacity to produce graduates who are well-equipped to serve both local industries and global markets.
Abang Johari added that the FTES is part of a broader strategy to future-proof Sarawak’s economy by developing expertise in key sectors such as technology, innovation, and sustainable development. By empowering young Sarawakians with quality education and skills, the state hopes to create a resilient workforce that can attract investment, support industrial growth, and improve overall living standards.
With the Free Tertiary Education Scheme, Sarawak signals a strong commitment to educational equity and long-term economic transformation, positioning its youth at the heart of the state’s development journey.
