Sarawak Deputy Minister Assures Sustainability of Free Tertiary Education Scheme
Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Sarawak’s Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, affirmed the long-term sustainability of the state’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES). Speaking at the State Legislative Assembly, he attributed this stability to Sarawak’s robust fiscal reserves, prudent financial management, and consistent budget surpluses. He highlighted the establishment of the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund in 2022 as a key mechanism safeguarding the future of the younger generation. Dr Annuar noted that Sarawak’s GDP reached RM148 billion in 2024, resulting in a per capita income between RM73,000 and RM80,000, which led Bank Negara to classify the state as a high-income region. International agencies like Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s have also recognized its strong financial standing. As of March 31, 4,694 students across four government-owned higher education institutions benefited from FTES. Meanwhile, 1,433 students declined the offer due to existing scholarship contracts, thereby creating opportunities for other applicants. The minister emphasized that returning excess revenue to the people through education investment yields long-term economic returns by developing a skilled workforce.
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Sarawak Deputy Minister Assures Sustainability of Free Tertiary Education Scheme
Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Sarawak’s Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, affirmed the long-term sustainability of the state’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES). Speaking at the State Legislative Assembly, he attributed this stability to Sarawak’s robust fiscal reserves, prudent financial management, and consistent budget surpluses. He highlighted the establishment of the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund in 2022 as a key mechanism safeguarding the future of the younger generation. Dr Annuar noted that Sarawak’s GDP reached RM148 billion in 2024, resulting in a per capita income between RM73,000 and RM80,000, which led Bank Negara to classify the state as a high-income region. International agencies like Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s have also recognized its strong financial standing. As of March 31, 4,694 students across four government-owned higher education institutions benefited from FTES. Meanwhile, 1,433 students declined the offer due to existing scholarship contracts, thereby creating opportunities for other applicants. The minister emphasized that returning excess revenue to the people through education investment yields long-term economic returns by developing a skilled workforce.
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