(Sibu, 28th) The Sarawak government believes that access to higher education is a key catalyst to ensure that the people can share in the state’s continuously growing economy, with a high per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Sarawak Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Anwar Rapaee, stated that economic growth alone is not enough; it is essential to concurrently enhance educational levels among the people in order to drive household income growth.
He said that the dissemination of educational information should be further strengthened, including holding more inclusive “Further Studies Carnivals” (Jom Masuk Universiti, JMU) throughout Sarawak.
“To ensure all groups can truly benefit, I suggest expanding JMU in the future to the three major regions: southern, central, and northern.”
“This measure is very important because Sarawak covers a vast area, so it is essential to ensure educational information can reach every corner,” he said while officiating the second JMU Sarawak stop at the Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud Grand Hall, Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS).
He pointed out that without adequate education, the state’s wealth will be difficult to share among all the people.
“We do not want the people to only see high GDP figures, but to truly feel an improvement in their standard of living. Education is the key.”
At the same time, this Southern Mukah district assemblyman also stressed that the Sarawak government will continue to push for its commitment to provide free higher education for local children, implementing relevant policies through the “Free Tertiary Education Scheme” (FTES).
He said that this scheme will be sustained through the Sarawak Future Sovereign Wealth Fund (Dana Warisan Berdaulat Masa Hadapan Sarawak), ensuring future generations also benefit.
On the other hand, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Vice-Chancellor Ahmad Hata Rasit pointed out that the 2026 Further Studies Carnival is an important platform, bringing together various higher education institutions to help students plan their future.
“We are committed to working with the Department of Higher Education to provide exploration opportunities, especially for students in Sarawak, to help them make the right further study choices.”
The 2026 Further Studies Carnival, themed “DreamX: Inspire Your Next Step,” is a nationwide touring event covering ten regions, running from January 29 to April 26.
The event provides a variety of counseling and interactive sessions, covering public universities (IPTA), private universities (IPTS), polytechnics, community colleges, and MARA institutions, assisting students and parents to make more suitable education choices.
Attendees also included UNIMAS Board Chairman Sulong Matjeraie, Higher Education Department Deputy Director General (Academic and Research) Zainal Amin Ayub, and Senior Assistant Director of the Public University Admissions Division Rudy Adrie Idris.
Sarawak Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Anwar Rapaee, stated that economic growth alone is not enough; it is essential to concurrently enhance educational levels among the people in order to drive household income growth.
He said that the dissemination of educational information should be further strengthened, including holding more inclusive “Further Studies Carnivals” (Jom Masuk Universiti, JMU) throughout Sarawak.
“To ensure all groups can truly benefit, I suggest expanding JMU in the future to the three major regions: southern, central, and northern.”
He pointed out that without adequate education, the state’s wealth will be difficult to share among all the people.
“We do not want the people to only see high GDP figures, but to truly feel an improvement in their standard of living. Education is the key.”
At the same time, this Southern Mukah district assemblyman also stressed that the Sarawak government will continue to push for its commitment to provide free higher education for local children, implementing relevant policies through the “Free Tertiary Education Scheme” (FTES).
He said that this scheme will be sustained through the Sarawak Future Sovereign Wealth Fund (Dana Warisan Berdaulat Masa Hadapan Sarawak), ensuring future generations also benefit.
On the other hand, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Vice-Chancellor Ahmad Hata Rasit pointed out that the 2026 Further Studies Carnival is an important platform, bringing together various higher education institutions to help students plan their future.
“We are committed to working with the Department of Higher Education to provide exploration opportunities, especially for students in Sarawak, to help them make the right further study choices.”
The 2026 Further Studies Carnival, themed “DreamX: Inspire Your Next Step,” is a nationwide touring event covering ten regions, running from January 29 to April 26.
The event provides a variety of counseling and interactive sessions, covering public universities (IPTA), private universities (IPTS), polytechnics, community colleges, and MARA institutions, assisting students and parents to make more suitable education choices.
Attendees also included UNIMAS Board Chairman Sulong Matjeraie, Higher Education Department Deputy Director General (Academic and Research) Zainal Amin Ayub, and Senior Assistant Director of the Public University Admissions Division Rudy Adrie Idris.