KUCHING: The Sarawak Government does not restrict graduates who benefit from the Free Higher Education Scheme (FTES) from pursuing careers overseas, instead granting them the freedom to select job opportunities based on their respective abilities and expertise.

Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said this approach aims to produce internationally competitive human capital, thereby proving the quality of higher education institutions in Sarawak.

“We are granting them the freedom to choose because we are sincere in wanting to assist our people.

“We hope they can secure employment anywhere in the world. If they are hired abroad, it signifies that our educational institutions possess comparable quality and standards,” he said.

He said this during a press conference following his ministrial winding-up speech at the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting on Monday.

According to him, the state government hopes that graduates who gain international experience and expertise will eventually return to contribute to Sarawak's development, particularly as the state's economy continues to expand.

Meanwhile, he noted that efforts to nurture a highly skilled talent pool serve as a crucial factor in attracting foreign investors to Sarawak.

He added that international investors will feel more confident in expanding their industrial operations should Sarawak possess a knowledgeable local workforce capable of meeting high-tech sector requirements.

“If foreign investors know that we have human capital capable of helping develop their industries, they will come here,” he said.

He further emphasised that the success of Sarawakian talents in building international careers is also a proud achievement for the state. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Eisner Nala
Photos: Hazrin Sunaini
Translator: Ryan Lim