KUCHING: Sarawak Foundation has taken over i-CATS University College (iCats) and Sarawak Maritime Academy (SMA), Sibu.
According to its director Mersal Abang Rosli, to date, the foundation has taken over four private higher education institutions (IPTS) throughout the state.
“Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), Curtin University Malaysia and Laila Taib College, Sibu have been entrusted to the Sarawak Foundation.
“With iCats and SMA, Sibu, we now have six IPTS (in Sarawak) under our supervision and responsibility,” he said at the Sarawak Foundation’s 50th Anniversary at Pullman Hotel here, yesterday.
Elaborating further, Mersal said Sarawak Foundation had gone through various transformations since its formation.
“Having started with just a hope for contributions and donations from the community and the people of Sarawak to support the state’s children with their education, Sarawak Foundation now has assets worth RM1.8 billion.
“Various forms of assistance and educational programmes have been developed for Sarawak’s children and people,” he stated.
Mersal added the foundation is focusing on skills training and human capital in addition to education.
“This includes developing six skills training institutions, namely the Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) in Kuching, Lundu, Betong, Mukah, Dalat and Lawas, as well as five private schools, namely the Sarawak International School in Petra Jaya, Kuching/Serian, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri.
“The Sarawak government has entrusted us with this responsibility to ensure that the state does not fall behind in terms of education and human capital development,” he pointed out.
