KUCHING: The Rakan Komuniti TEGAS initiative continues to enhance delivery of education information in a more structured and inclusive manner, thereby supporting the implementation of the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) statewide.
Sarawak Deputy Minister for Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said the programme serves as a strategic engagement platform linking government education policies with target groups, particularly students.
He noted that in today’s increasingly dynamic education landscape, the challenge is no longer about the lack of opportunities but ensuring information reaches the public accurately, quickly and in a comprehensive manner.
“The role of school counsellors as frontliners is significant in guiding students to make decisions on their education and career pathways in line with future job market requirements,” he said.
He said this during the closing ceremony of the Rakan Komuniti TEGAS Programme at TEGAS Digital Village on Wednesday.
At the same time, he also expressed appreciation to the organisers and strategic partners, including the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD) and the Sarawak State Education Department (JPNS), for their commitment in successfully implementing the programme across Sarawak.
He further emphasised that the implementation of FTES is a policy reform that offers wider opportunities for Sarawakian students to pursue higher education without financial constraints.
“For the first time, access to higher education is no longer determined solely by financial capability but is instead based on students’ potential and abilities,” he explained.
In addition, Datuk Dr Jerip who is also Deputy Chairman of the Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS) Board of Trustees stated that initiatives such as the Rakan Komuniti TEGAS Programme play a crucial role in ensuring that information on FTES is disseminated to students and parents, particularly in rural areas that previously faced constraints in accessing information.
In the same development, he said the implementation of FTES has shown positive impact with an increasing number of students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) as well as high impact fields aligned with future industry requirements.
“The youth represent a strategic asset to the state who will fill high-value sectors, including technology-based industries and innovation-driven enterprises,” he said.
In this regard, he expressed hope that the collaborative network established through the programme will be sustained as an ongoing effort to strengthen the education community and produce more quality human capital in Sarawak. -UKASnews
