KUCHING: Sarawak’s free tertiary education initiative at state-owned universities for Sarawakian students comes with no mandatory work bond.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government prioritises workforce development over binding agreements.
He pointed out that unlike scholarships that require recipients to serve in the country, this initiative is designed to uplift human capital, ensuring graduates contribute to critical sectors, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“There is no bond because this is not a scholarship. If you receive a scholarship, then you are bonded, but in this case, we are offering free education because we want to upgrade our workforce.
“That is the main purpose — just discipline is needed. If we give out too many scholarships in the arts, then there will be an oversupply of arts graduates. So, we are focusing only on disciplines that are in demand, especially STEM.
“However,the arts-related fields like accounting, finance, and even law are also included because law is now an emerging discipline due to the increasing number of new legislation,” he explained.
He said this when met by reporters after officiating at the D-Dentist Tabuan Jaya branch here on Sunday.
When asked what if the graduates choose to serve outside the state, Abang Johari said that they are free to set their career path.
“It’s fine. If they go there to upgrade their skills, why not? Eventually, they will return, just like the dentist who previously work in Johor and now choose to comeback to Sarawak.
“If we lack certain expertise and technology, I don’t think they would return immediately. But once they see opportunities here in the future, they will come back to Sarawak. This is just an example,” he said.
By 2026, free education will be offered to Sarawakian students pursuing their studies at universities in Sarawak, reflecting the state’s long-term vision of building a highly skilled workforce to drive economic growth.
