SIBU: Universiti Technologi Sarawak (UTS) has appointed Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg as its Pro-Chancellor due to his contribution and commitment to the university.
Speaking at the university’s 6th Convocation, UTS chairman Dr Annuar Rapaee said that Abang Johari had been giving his full support not only to UTS but also the educational field as a whole.
“UTS has been awarded the status of a full-fledged university and this is thanks to the premier’s full support and guidance.
“Abang Johari wants UTS, which is the only university wholly owned by the Sarawak government, to be recognised internationally and be the pride of Sarawakians,” he said.
Dr Annuar added that the education incentives and scholarship provided by the Sarawak government had made it more affordable for Sarawakians, especially those from the low-income group, to further their studies at the university.
“This includes providing a full scholarship for the payment of tuition fees for all students pursuing the Foundation in Science and Foundation in Arts which cost RM10,000 each per student,”
“As for the scholarship for the undergraduates and postgraduates, Abang Johari has also announced a 50 per cent reduction in tuition fees for Sarawakian students who take up any programme offered by UTS,” he said.
With these incentives and large contribution from the state government, Dr Annuar hoped that UTS would be able to achieve its target of increasing its student intake to 4,000 by the year 2024.
“Although Abang Johari has been in office for just a short while, he has succeeded in bringing new hope to the people as well as the state, particularly in the area of education.
“This is because he believes that education is a pillar of progress for all the other fields in the future,” he said.
Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud who is also the UTS Chancellor, officiated at the convocation ceremony.
