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UNDERGRADUATES in Sarawak’s free tertiary education initiative will not be bound by any contractual obligations to work in the state after graduation, Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg confirmed.
The programme, aimed at upgrading the state’s workforce, is designed to provide opportunities for students without forcing them to remain in Sarawak, the New Straits Times quoted him saying.
“This initiative is about enhancing the capabilities of our workforce,” Abang Johari said. “That’s why the free education program will focus on select disciplines, particularly those in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.”
The Premier added the state government does not aim to restrict graduates from seeking employment outside Sarawak, including in Singapore or Peninsular Malaysia, after completing their studies.
"Graduates from institutions like Swinburne University of Technology (Kuching campus), Curtin University of Technology (Sarawak campus), and University Technology Sarawak are already in demand in Singapore and other regions," he added.
Abang Johari expressed confidence that, despite moving abroad for work, many graduates would ultimately return to Sarawak after gaining valuable experience elsewhere.
He cited the example of Sarawakians like Dr Leandre Chai and Dr Hii Ying Ying, both of whom had worked in Johor before deciding to return to Sarawak to open their own dental clinics.
"Many Sarawakians who previously worked overseas have come back home, including engineers and technologists who are now contributing to the private sector," he said.
Looking ahead, the Premier assured that more job opportunities would be available for graduates, particularly in the medical sector.
He highlighted upcoming developments in healthcare, including the construction of three new private hospitals in Kuching, which will provide an additional 1,000 hospital beds over the next three years.
One of these hospitals will be built by a medical group from Singapore, further strengthening Sarawak’s healthcare infrastructure. – February 23, 2025
