SIBU: Today’s Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) leavers, who did not achieve an outstanding examination result, still have various options for pursuing higher education.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said that the current situation is different from the past, when there was only one pathway available.
“Congratulations to the successful students, but to those who did not achieve outstanding results, this is not the end of the world for you because there are many pathways and opportunities to further your studies.
“In my time, we only had one pathway. But now, there are many routes to obtain a degree at universities,” he said in his speech at the Sarawak Education Expo at the Sarawak Islamic Complex here today (July 8).
Dr Annuar, who is also the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) chairman, said that there are five institutions owned by the Sarawak government, including the UTS.
“I am proud to say that we have increased student admissions threefold, or 300 per cent since I became the chairman.
“My second duty or dream (as the chairman of UTS) is to ensure that the opportunities given to students are expanded so that they can secure employment after graduation.
“It is pointless to complete studies at the university if they cannot find jobs. This is crucial and is the hope of all parents who want their children to have good employment prospects after completing their studies.
“My third duty is to ensure that UTS gains more recognition, and this requires cooperation not only from students and parents but also from lecturers. They play a crucial role in ensuring that this university is well-known,” he said.
The Nangka assemblyman also said that there is no longer a question of students lacking opportunities or places to pursue further education in Sibu with the presence of UTS.
In the past, UTS was an expensive university, and not many could afford the tuition fees of RM70,000 or RM80,000 per course.
“This university was built by the Sarawak government using public funds. Therefore, why should only a handful of people be able to enter it? I strongly oppose this policy.
“Hence, I have met with the Premier, and he agreed to provide special scholarships to all Sarawakians, regardless of race, who pursue their studies at UTS. The state government is currently making efforts to provide free tertiary education,” he added.
He believed that with the current economic conditions, unity, and stability of the state, the state government would be able to provide free tertiary education to all Sarawak residents in the future.
Also present were Temenggong Datuk Vincent Lau and Sibu Resident representative Awang Mohammed Nizam Awang Ali Borhan.
