“Other universities are recognising UEC as an entry qualification. So why shouldn’t we recognise it?”
This remark came from Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala (GPS-Mulu), highlights his support for the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) as a valuable contributor to Sarawak’s talent pool.
He asserted that recognising UEC would enable Sarawak to foster a more diverse workforce, aligning with the state’s economic growth as technology increasingly drives global industries.
Sarawak Tribune: Now that the Sarawak government has officially recognised UEC for its state-owned universities, what are your thoughts?
Gerawat: It’s a very progressive step by the Sarawak government. Since UEC is already accepted by foreign universities as an entry qualification, I believe it’s logical for us to follow suit.
With UEC now recognised alongside SPM and IGCSE, there are three pathways to local universities. Do you foresee any challenges arising from this?
I don’t foresee significant challenges. Entry qualifications for local public universities and certain private institutions are regulated by the Ministry of Education, which might impose some restrictions.
However, Sarawak-owned institutions have been accepting UEC for quite some time. For public universities, it’s uncertain whether UEC is officially recognised. That said, just as technical and vocational school graduates qualify for public universities, I see no reason why UEC shouldn’t also be recognised nationwide.
UEC, SPM, and IGCSE each provide different academic streams. How can Sarawak prepare its universities to accommodate students from these diverse backgrounds?
The emphasis across all streams should remain on STEM—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students who perform well in these areas will be welcomed, regardless of their academic pathway.
The inclusion of UEC brings an additional pool of students with strong potential in STEM, which is a significant advantage. Multiple entry streams feeding into Sarawak’s universities can enrich the talent pool, ensuring a robust human resource pipeline to support the state’s future growth.
How will this policy impact the labour force?
As technology continues to shape the future, building a talent pool with strong STEM foundations is critical. While we also value graduates from other disciplines, the emphasis on STEM reflects the direction the world is heading.
This additional talent stream will play a crucial role in supporting Sarawak’s economic expansion.
