Sarawak to sponsor full-time tertiary education for working adults

 Premier Abang Johari Openg says even Sarawakians who are 60 years old can apply under the initiative to promote lifelong learning.

Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg at the Sarawak-level Workers’ Day celebration in Kuching today. (Sarawak public communications unit pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 The Sarawak government will fully sponsor higher education for Sarawakians who are already employed.

Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said this was in addition to providing free tertiary education to students from next year, The Borneo Post reported.

“The state government has decided to allow working individuals, or those who have previously been in the workforce, to return to full-time studies,” he was quoted as saying.

According to Abang Johari, these initiatives – which are limited to eligible Sarawakians who choose to enrol in state-owned institutions of higher learning – are part of the state’s broader goal to strengthen human capital and build its talent pool through lifelong learning.

“It will be completely free. As long as the applicant is accepted by the university and registered as a full-time student, we will cover the costs,” he said, according to the Sarawak-based daily.

The state-owned institutions of higher learning involved are the Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia, University of Technology Sarawak, and i-CATS University College.

Abang Johari also stressed that there was no age limit set for the applicants.

“You can apply even if you are 60 years old. I am not making empty promises. I have already secured the funds for this initiative and the Sarawak government will pay for the education.

“All you need to do is just focus on studying to upgrade your skills,” he said at the Sarawak-level Workers’ Day celebration in Kuching.

He added, however, that the initiative does not extend to those who wish to pursue long-distance learning or study on a part-time basis. - FMT