SIBU: The University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) has surpassed its student enrolment target of 4,000 students a year ahead of schedule, said Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
“Our goal was to reach 4,000 students by 2025, but we have already exceeded that with 4,218 students now enrolled,” he said at the new students’ Oath-Taking ceremony at the Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud Chancellor’s Hall today (Sept 20).
Reflecting on the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Annuar, who is also the UTS chairman, noted that many universities worldwide experienced a decline in student enrollment.
However, UTS persevered and continued to attract students, ultimately surpassing its target.
“Today, we have achieved that target a year early, in 2024. New students should be aware that UTS is only 10 years old, and yet today the student population stands at 4,218,” he added.
Meanwhile, UTS Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid highlighted the university’s rapid growth and strong reputation.
“Last month, UTS was recognised as the best university for TVET education in Malaysia.
Additionally, our campus is the first, and still the only one in Malaysia to be certified as a Green Campus,” he said.
Khairuddin added that UTS had gained the trust of parents and employers and boasts one of the highest employability rates in Malaysia.
He encouraged the new students to feel confident in their choice of university.