RECENTLY, there has been a lot of talk in Sarawak about free education for Sarawak students studying in state-owned higher education institutions.
This move by the state government is truly groundbreaking. It not only aligns with global trends but also meets the demands and needs of the people.
Many developed countries around the world have recognised the value of an educated population and are moving towards providing free or highly subsidised education.
Currently, Sarawak has five state-owned universities: Curtin University, Swinburne University, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), i-CATS University College, and Kolej Laila Taib (KLT). These institutions will be involved in the proposed free education initiative.
By considering this idea, Sarawak’s government seems to be catching up with the progressive wave and acknowledging that investing in education today brings benefits tomorrow.
This move has the potential to reshape the state’s educational landscape and provide opportunities for countless aspiring students.
The blueprint for the state’s free tertiary education is currently being formulated and will be presented to the state government for a final decision.
The state Ministry of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development has been directed to hold a series of labs to collect data, recommendations, and input, which will shape the blueprint.
These labs started last month at Curtin University in Miri and Kolej Laila Taib in Sibu and will continue in Kuching in November. The purpose of these labs is to explore different models in detail and assess the universities’ capacity to accommodate the expected increase in student enrolment.
Now let’s delve into why free education is such a significant development and explore its potential implications for Sarawak.
First and foremost, as we all know, free education is a powerful equalizer. The best part is that it levels the playing field, allowing students from all backgrounds to pursue higher education without the burden of tuition fees.
Once implemented, this initiative will make education accessible to every bright mind with a dream, regardless of their financial status.
Another key advantage of free education is its ability to retain local talent. Historically, Sarawak has seen many of its best and brightest leave in search of affordable education opportunities elsewhere.
By making education free within the state, Sarawak can keep its home-grown talents right where they belong, contributing to the state’s growth and development.
Moreover, free education can stimulate economic growth. When students don’t have to worry about hefty student loans, they can invest in other ways, such as starting businesses or investing in their communities. This can foster entrepreneurship and innovation, benefiting Sarawak’s economy in the long run.
Of course, there are many challenges to consider and tackle before implementing free education. Funding such a programme is no easy task, and the government must explore sustainable models. It may require a shift in budget priorities or exploring public-private partnerships. However, we should not let these monetary challenges become stumbling blocks, as the potential benefits far outweigh the costs.
Critics may argue that free education could lead to an oversaturation of graduates in certain fields. However, this can be managed through careful programme planning and guidance counselling. Encouraging students to explore diverse fields can help distribute graduates more evenly across industries.
Nevertheless, with free education, the state will also need to provide job opportunities for these students. Currently, many Sarawakians, after completing their studies abroad, choose not to return home due to concerns about the lack of job opportunities.
There are also those who complete their education in the country but choose to seek employment abroad because of limited or non-existent opportunities at home. Hopefully, the education blueprint will address this concern as well.
Ultimately, despite the challenges, the Sarawak government’s contemplation of providing free tertiary education is undoubtedly a positive and promising development that deserves support from all Sarawakians.
It is a great commitment to the empowerment of its people, the growth of the state’s economy, and the future of Sarawak. By investing in free education, Sarawak is investing in itself, and the potential returns could be monumental.
It is a step that, if executed wisely, could make Sarawak a beacon of progress and prosperity in the years to come.
Syabas to the GPS state government! Let’s keep our fingers crossed for this exciting possibility to become a reality.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
