KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg announced on Thursday that the state will recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), making its holders eligible for enrolment in state-owned universities under a free tertiary education scheme in 2026.
The Dayak Daily reported that universities included in this scheme are Curtin University Malaysia Sarawak Campus, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, University Technology Sarawak, Centre of Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs), and i-CATS University College.
"Sarawak recognises the UEC, and beginning 2026, students with this certificate will be eligible for our state-owned universities under the free tertiary education scheme," Abang Johari was reported saying to the news portal during the Pei Min Middle School opening ceremony in Miri recently.
He said the recognition of the UEC underscores Sarawak's commitment to embracing diverse educational backgrounds.
"The Chinese say, 'Jangan kasi dia ikan, tapi ajar dia tangkap ikan' (Don't give a man a fish; teach him how to fish). So what I'm doing now is providing free education by teaching young people 'how to fish'.
"Sarawak has plenty of 'fish'. You've got carbon trading and hydrogen; these are all 'fish'. But there must be people who can catch 'fish', so we send our students, particularly Sarawakians, to all universities. They will manage our economy, and we must compete with others," he said.
Abang Johari said it was important for students to be proficient in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects, which are critical for the new economy.
"Education is the key to transforming our economy. By investing in our youth and providing them with the best educational resources, we are securing a prosperous future for Sarawak," he said.
Abang Johari also said that collaborations with international institutions, such as Fudan University in Shanghai, China, are being explored to establish advanced faculties in Sarawak.
"Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian will consult with Fudan University in China, which specialises in both Western and traditional medicine. If Fudan University agrees to collaborate with us, we may be able to establish a Fudan University Sarawak branch of biomedical science in Miri."
The event was attended by various dignitaries and officials, including Sim; Sarawak Secretary Datuk Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Sarawak United Association of Chinese School Boards of Management (Sha Dong Zong) chairman Datuk Vincent Lau Lee Ming; Pei Min Middle School Honorary Life chairman Datuk Hii King Chiong and Pei Min Middle School board of directors chairman Khor Ooi Long.