KOTA SAMARAHAN: The free education initiative introduced by the Sarawak Premier is seen as being able to open up more opportunities for Sarawakians to pursue higher education, particularly those from less well-off families, while also serving as a catalyst for academic excellence.

Recipient of the 2026 Yayasan Sarawak Outstanding Graduate Award in the Best Bumiputera Graduate category, Mohd Saifuddin Abdullah, 23, said government educational assistance plays an important role in easing the financial burden on families and motivating students to succeed.

The Bintulu-born Material Surveying graduate said the support he received throughout his studies enabled him to focus on his academics and university activities without being overly burdened by his family's financial constraints.

Coming from a middle-income family, he also described educational assistance as an encouragement for students to continue developing their potential, not only in academics, but also through leadership, volunteerism and sports activities.

"Yayasan Sarawak's assistance helped ease my family's financial burden and, at the same time, motivated me to study hard until I earned this award," he said.

Now working under the supervision of Shell MDS, Mohd Saifuddin aims to contribute his skills and experience in material surveying to support Sarawak's development, particularly in meeting the need for local professionals.

Meanwhile, the recipient of the Best Non-Bumiputera Graduate award, Sharon Leong Hui Jiun, 24, described the free education initiative as a great opportunity for students from less well-off families who may not have sufficient access to pursue further studies.

"I think this initiative is an excellent opportunity for students from less well-off families who may not have the chance to pursue higher education," she said.

Sharon, who obtained a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.99 in her Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemistry, said government support in helping underprivileged families gain access to education is important in building the future of the younger generation.

She also acknowledged that her success was not achieved without the support of her family, friends and lecturers, as well as the discipline of balancing academic demands with co-curricular activities throughout her studies.

Sharon hopes her achievement will inspire young people to believe in themselves, remain consistent and not compare their journeys with others.

Both graduates received the recognition in conjunction with the 30th Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Convocation Ceremony, Third Session, at Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra (DeTAR PUTRA) on Tuesday. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Lonney Jinab
Photos: Natalie Cherinie Johnny
Translator: Uilson Ng