KUCHING: More Sarawak students are pursuing higher education through MARA’s educational institutions, reflecting growing awareness of professional programmes offered by Kolej Poly-Tech MARA (KPTM) and Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM).
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Malaysia Datuk Rubiah Wang said the increase was partly driven by the Higher Education Institution Tour Series (HITS), an annual initiative aimed at exposing students to available study pathways and emerging fields before they complete secondary education.
She said this year’s HITS programme would be held at five locations nationwide, beginning in Sarawak, followed by Sabah, Johor, Kedah and Selangor.
“The purpose of this programme is to introduce students to the educational opportunities offered by KPTM and UPTM, especially in professional fields that are relevant to current and future job market needs.
“Among the programmes offered include Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), esports, accounting, early childhood education and many more,” she said when met by reporters after officiating the Yayasan Sarawak Education Sponsorship launch held in conjunction with HITS Sarawak 2026 at Plaza Merdeka here today (June 13).
Rubiah, who is also Kota Samarahan MP, said more than 3,000 students and visitors from Kuching and Samarahan were expected to benefit from the three-day programme held from June 12 to 14.
She noted a significant increase in applications from Sarawak students to KPTM over recent years, with numbers rising from fewer than 500 previously to more than 1,800 applications last year.
“This year, as of June, we have already received about 1,010 applications from Sarawak, showing continued interest among students in pursuing studies under KPTM and UPTM,” she said.
Rubiah said KPTM and UPTM had also collaborated with Yayasan Sarawak to enable eligible Sarawak students studying at both institutions to enjoy various state educational incentives.
Among the incentives available are a free laptop worth up to RM3,000, RM300 book assistance, a special financial aid of RM1,200, as well as a RM300 travel incentive for graduates returning to Sarawak from Peninsular Malaysia or Sabah.
In addition, KPTM and UPTM offer a registration and confirmation fee exemption of RM400, along with a RM300 flight ticket incentive for eligible Sarawak students.
Rubiah said the collaboration ensures Sarawak students studying under MARA institutions receive similar educational support and assistance available to students enrolled at other higher education institutions.
Looking ahead, she said there are plans to establish KPTM in Sarawak to provide easier access for local students and further encourage participation in programmes offered under MARA’s education network.
She said this year’s HITS programme would be held at five locations nationwide, beginning in Sarawak, followed by Sabah, Johor, Kedah and Selangor.
“The purpose of this programme is to introduce students to the educational opportunities offered by KPTM and UPTM, especially in professional fields that are relevant to current and future job market needs.
“Among the programmes offered include Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), esports, accounting, early childhood education and many more,” she said when met by reporters after officiating the Yayasan Sarawak Education Sponsorship launch held in conjunction with HITS Sarawak 2026 at Plaza Merdeka here today (June 13).
Rubiah, who is also Kota Samarahan MP, said more than 3,000 students and visitors from Kuching and Samarahan were expected to benefit from the three-day programme held from June 12 to 14.
She noted a significant increase in applications from Sarawak students to KPTM over recent years, with numbers rising from fewer than 500 previously to more than 1,800 applications last year.
“This year, as of June, we have already received about 1,010 applications from Sarawak, showing continued interest among students in pursuing studies under KPTM and UPTM,” she said.
Rubiah said KPTM and UPTM had also collaborated with Yayasan Sarawak to enable eligible Sarawak students studying at both institutions to enjoy various state educational incentives.
Among the incentives available are a free laptop worth up to RM3,000, RM300 book assistance, a special financial aid of RM1,200, as well as a RM300 travel incentive for graduates returning to Sarawak from Peninsular Malaysia or Sabah.
In addition, KPTM and UPTM offer a registration and confirmation fee exemption of RM400, along with a RM300 flight ticket incentive for eligible Sarawak students.
Rubiah said the collaboration ensures Sarawak students studying under MARA institutions receive similar educational support and assistance available to students enrolled at other higher education institutions.
Looking ahead, she said there are plans to establish KPTM in Sarawak to provide easier access for local students and further encourage participation in programmes offered under MARA’s education network.