BINTULU: The autonomy accorded to Sarawak under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) continues to enable the state to implement education policies tailored to its development priorities while producing a competitive and highly skilled workforce.

Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapa’ee said among the initiatives introduced by the Sarawak Government are the use of English in the teaching of Science and Mathematics, the establishment of Sarawak International Schools and the provision of free tertiary education for Sarawakian students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programmes.

“One of the most significant initiatives introduced by the Sarawak Government is the provision of free tertiary education for all Sarawakian students, particularly in STEM disciplines, at four local universities,” he said while speaking at the opening ceremony of the SMK Asyakirin School Library and STEM Corner here on Wednesday.

According to him, these initiatives demonstrate the Sarawak Government's commitment to strengthening an education system that meets the state's needs while supporting the economy of the future.

He said Sarawak is currently the only state in Malaysia to implement the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English in all schools, while also developing six Sarawak International Schools to expand access to international-standard education.

“Personally, I believe education policies should be implemented through a more decentralised approach rather than a system that is overly centralised,” he said.

He said such an approach would strengthen Sarawak's ability to formulate education policies that are more flexible and responsive to the state's development needs, in line with its aspiration of producing a highly skilled and competitive generation. -UKASnews