KUCHING: The Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) has been described as a high-impact initiative, capable of transforming the state’s higher education landscape, particularly in helping Sarawakian students pursue further studies without financial constraints.
A private sector employee, Aliah Najwa, described the implementation of FTES as a significant step forward in Sarawak’s education system.
According to her, the scheme opens wider opportunities for young people who previously had to set aside their aspirations to further their studies due to financial limitations.
“Many students actually have great potential, but are held back by financial factors. With this scheme in place, it provides access to education, opportunities to develop skills and knowledge, as well as room to improve their standard of living.
"I believe everyone should have equal opportunities in education,” she said when met by reporters from the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) on Friday.
Meanwhile, another private sector employee, Mohd Fikri Napri, welcomed the Sarawak Government’s initiative in providing free tertiary education for universities under the state government’s purview.
He explained that FTES offers significant relief, especially for rural students who previously faced challenges related to the cost of living and access to urban areas.
“This initiative greatly helps Sarawakian youths to further their studies at the university level. It is an effort that we truly appreciate and hope will be expanded to involve more higher education institutions,” he said.
He also advised youths not to let difficulties become a barrier to continuing their education, but instead to fully utilise the opportunities provided by the government.
“Education is power. Knowledge has the ability to transform lives and living standards. Apart from mainstream universities, there are also skills-based institutions that can serve as pathways towards building a better future,” he added.
In the meantime, an educator, Ixora Kaylyn, described FTES as a ‘game changer’ for Sarawak’s younger generation.
According to her, the scheme not only benefits students from various backgrounds, but also eases the financial burden on parents.
“FTES provides fair opportunities for every Sarawakian child to study without being shackled by financial issues. It is also a long-term investment in producing a skilled workforce ready to drive the state’s economic growth,” she said.
The implementation of FTES is seen as a bold move by the Sarawak Government to ensure more inclusive and equitable access to higher education for a more sustainable future for the state. -UKASnews
Reporter: Nur Nabilla & Alezxandria Kapple
Photographer: Nur Nabilla & Alezxandria Kapple
