SEBUYAU: Youth in Sarawak are urged to take advantage of the education assistance provided.
Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi assured that Sarawakian children can continue their studies without financial concerns as Yayasan Sarawak provides assistance through its sponsorship schemes.
“Utilise and seize this opportunity wisely. In Sarawak, we have established higher education institutions such as Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), i-CATS University College, Kolej Laila Taib (KLT), and Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) for the benefit of local students,” he said during the opening of the expo at Sebuyau Development Hall recently.
He urged students to seize opportunities at these institutions, especially if they are unable to pursue studies at public universities.
“We need the younger generation to be prepared for future demands and by 2026, free education will be introduced for Sarawakian children.
“I urge all children to continue cultivating a strong desire to acquire knowledge because in Sarawak, we already have world-class higher education institutions.”
He also encouraged youths to enhance their skills and knowledge to remain competitive and seize opportunities in evolving economy with an emphasis on the green energy sector.
“In this context, the Sarawak government has managed to attract significant investments because we have successfully explored new economies that can enhance the state’s economy and revenue.
“Our efforts to increase research and development on Sarawak’s natural resources through carbon business and research have created new economic resources that will double Sarawak’s income.”
Julaihi added that to align with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), Sarawak is set to achieve economic prosperity driven by data and innovation.
“We are driving our infrastructure development to improve living standards, expand the economy to provide business and job opportunities, and train Sarawak’s youth to become more skilled and increase their income levels.”
He stated that Sarawak’s promising future is further reinforced by the RM63 billion allocated under the 12th Malaysia Plan, designed to implement people-centric initiatives as part of PCDS 2030.
“Therefore, Sarawak needs to have a more efficient implementation plan to ensure we can carry out these projects based on clear financing, timing, and specifications.
“This plan also emphasises developing a business model focused on leveraging the state’s natural resources.
“Industry development will be planned based on upstream industry opportunities, as well as midstream and downstream production and export capabilities.”
He noted that Sarawak will strive to ensure that players and conglomerates from the private sector collaborate with the state to create such opportunities.
“We have introduced the Sovereign Wealth Fund, modelled on Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global, as planned by the Sarawak government to ensure that Sarawak has the largest financial reserves compared to other states.
“The increase in state savings should be reinvested, in part, to yield returns that benefit future generations such as to support education and enhance living standards, addressing socioeconomic needs, talent development along with entrepreneurial skills among the people of Sarawak.”
The expo, organised by Yayasan Sarawak, aims to inform children, especially those in rural areas, about the educational opportunities available.
