KUCHING: The Sarawak Government continues to strengthen its human capital development agenda through the implementation of free higher education and the empowerment of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) based education to produce more skilled workforce to meet the state's development needs.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission and Islamic Affairs), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, said the various initiatives introduced by the state government aim to ensure more Sarawakian children have the opportunity to pursue higher studies and contribute to economic development driven by technology and innovation.
“We do not want a single child from the younger generation to be left behind in education.
“Our goal is to ensure they have the opportunity to step into higher learning institutions and subsequently become the skilled professionals needed to develop Sarawak,” he said.
He said this while speaking at the Pantai Damai Legislative Assembly (DUN) Level Excellent Student Awards Ceremony 2026 at the Wisma Sabati Hall here on Sunday.
According to Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman, the implementation of the Sarawak Free Higher Education Scheme (FTES) along with the emphasis on STEM fields are among the state government's strategic steps to prepare a highly skilled human capital pool capable of meeting future industry demands.
He noted that Sarawak requires more engineers, scientists, researchers, and professionals across various sectors, in line with the rapid expansion of the digital economy, semiconductor, aerospace, renewable energy, and new technology sectors.
The Pantai Damai Assemblyman also urged parents, teachers, and the community to continue playing their roles in reinforcing the educational ecosystem by providing support and encouragement to children to keep pursuing academic excellence and leverage the various educational initiatives provided by the government.
The ceremony was held as a token of appreciation and recognition for the children of Pantai Damai who achieved excellence in public examinations, while also appreciating the sacrifices of parents, teachers, and all parties who contributed to their success.
At the event, a total of 185 students received the Pantai Damai DUN Level Excellent Student Award for the Year 2026, comprising 22 recipients for the Sarawak Ujian Penilaian Dual Language Programme (UP-DLP), 116 recipients for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), and 47 recipients for the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM). — UKASnews
