(Miri, 23rd) As Sarawak moves towards the goal of implementing the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) by 2026, Curtin University Malaysia is spearheading a wave of public discussion on this important policy issue. Recently, in collaboration with the Miri branch of the Sarawak State Library, the university hosted a community lecture at the library auditorium titled 'Towards a Sustainable Free Education Initiative: Sarawak 2026 Journey'.
This lecture brought together students, scholars, policymakers, and public representatives to engage in deep dialogue on topics such as the structure, implementation challenges, and sustainability of free higher education, reflecting Curtin University's significant role in promoting policy transparency and community engagement in education.
The event was led by Dr. Samuel Adeyinka-Ojo, Academic Coordinator for the 'MGMT6010 Strategic Enterprise' unit in the Master of International Business program at Curtin University Malaysia, along with participation from Associate Professor Lew Tek Yew, Head of the Management and Marketing Department, and Dr. Ting Qian Hui, Head of the Master of International Business program.
'Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) is not just a policy shift but a profound change in social structure,' stated Dr. Adeyinka-Ojo. 'This lecture allows students and the community to express their aspirations and concerns about the future of education.'
The lecture covered the core elements of the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), including its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), admission eligibility standards, curriculum content setup, and implementation timetable. Speakers emphasized that the plan not only aids in driving inclusive development but also empowers disadvantaged groups and nurtures local talent with future competitiveness.
Notably, students in the Master of International Business program actively participated in the event by assisting in guiding discussions and interacting with attendees, demonstrating their active engagement and critical thinking skills on public policy issues.
The lecture concluded with a Q&A session, where the audience actively asked questions and offered suggestions, creating a good interaction atmosphere. Representatives from the Sarawak State Library also presented tokens of appreciation to the speakers to acknowledge their contributions to fostering collaboration between the community and academia.
'Such public platforms help to build a more inclusive and transparent policy framework that truly reflects the voices of all sectors of society,' said Associate Professor Lew. 'As we head towards 2026, Curtin University will continue to lead key dialogues on free higher education.'
This lecture marks not only another important milestone in Curtin University Malaysia's community engagement but also demonstrates its ongoing commitment to promoting educational equity and policy development.