KUCHING: Starting next year, Sarawak government-linked companies will begin offering full scholarships for Master's programmes overseas to Sarawakian workers.
This initiative aims to enhance their professional skills.
Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg said recipients can choose to pursue their degrees at universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, or other institutions worldwide.
"I have asked Sarawak Petchem Sdn Bhd to provide two scholarships for Sarawakians to pursue a Master's degree in process engineering, starting next year," he said during the handing over of free laptops from Yayasan Sarawak to secondary school students here today.
He also mentioned that state-owned oil and gas company Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) will offer two scholarships for Sarawakians to undertake a Master's programme in petrochemical engineering.
Additionally, Yayasan Sarawak will sponsor two Sarawakians to pursue Master's degrees in aerospace engineering and satellite technology.
Abang Johari said that the scholarship offer will continue every year and urged all state-linked companies to establish scholarship funds for their workers.
He added that workers assigned to these Master's programmes will be bonded, requiring them to return to Sarawak and work for the same company.
The premier highlighted that Sarawak is facing a shortage of skilled human capital, particularly in engineering fields.
"I'm saying this because despite many Sarawakians who have worked outside the state and have returned home to work, including on the autonomous rapid transit (ART) project, there is still a shortage of skilled human capital," he said.
He also said that the state government may consider sending Sarawakians overseas to pursue Doctor of Philosophy programmes should any new developments arise in the future.
The premier emphasised that while Sarawak has many resources, it lacks brain power.
He said that free tertiary education at state-owned universities, starting in 2026, is one of the steps being taken to address this issue and to improve the household incomes of poor families.