SEBAUH: Rural students are now given closer access to information on higher education opportunities, skills training and career pathways through the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD) Outreach Programme 2026.

Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, said direct exposure is important to ensure students, particularly in rural areas, know and understand the educational opportunities provided by the state government.

He said there are still high-potential students who are unaware of the education opportunities available, making it essential to deliver information directly to students.

"Sometimes there are students who are very bright and among the best in Sarawak, but they don't know about this programme.

"So, I want students to understand the opportunities available and make choices based on accurate information," he said.

He said this while speaking at the MEITD Outreach Programme 2026 at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Sebauh, here, on Saturday.

Dato Sri Roland Sagah said among the key opportunities students need to understand is the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), including its eligibility requirements and the fields of study offered.

Such exposure, he explained, enables students to plan their education based on choices suited to their qualifications, interests and career direction.

Besides higher education opportunities, the state government also provides various forms of educational assistance to help ease financial barriers that students and families may face.

He said location and family background should not be obstacles preventing students from knowing about and benefiting from available education opportunities.

Meanwhile, educational achievement in Sebauh also showed positive progress, with the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) pass rate rising from 93.88 per cent in 2024 to 94.89 per cent in 2025.

According to Dato Sri Roland Sagah, the improvement reflects the commitment of schools, students, parents and the community in strengthening educational performance in the area.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapa'ee, MEITD Permanent Secretary Datu Adana Jed, Tatau/Sebauh District Education Officer Gani Egit, Sebauh District Officer Thadeus Ling Bartholomew Allu, Principal of SMK Sebauh Sewing Gak and Special Officer (Higher Education Division) MEITD Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid. -UKASnews

Translator: Uilson Ng