DUN Sarawak: UEC holders are eligible to enjoy FTES at four universities

KUCHING, 13 Oct: Holders of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) are eligible to benefit from Sarawak Free Higher Education Scheme (FTES) if they qualify for university admission and apply for study programmes listed under the scheme.

Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said that UEC holders are not required to have a Malay language qualification as a condition for admission to the four universities involved or to enjoy FTES facilities.

According to him, UEC holders must obtain at least a B grade in five subjects at Senior Middle level to qualify them to apply for admission to the university, subject to the terms of the chosen study programme.

"As long as they are eligible to enter the four universities, they are also automatically eligible to enjoy FTES if they apply for any of the 64 study programmes listed under the scheme", he said.

He said this in response to a question by Member of the State Legislative Assembly (ADUN) Batu Lintang, See Chee How at the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Conference today.
said that as of June 30 this year, a total of 192 UEC holders have been offered FTES, involving 137 students at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, 21 students at Curtin University Malaysia in Miri, 33 students at Sarawak University of Technology (UTS) in Sibu and one student at i-CATS University College.

Dr Annuar said that Sarawak's education policy emphasizes the knowledge, skills and talents of students regardless of race or school background.

According to him, the policy aims to ensure that all eligible citizens of Sarawak have equal opportunities to pursue higher education, develop self-potential and contribute to the state's economic transformation.

"Education must go beyond race, color and ethnicity. Education must be a vehicle to eradicate poverty and increase social mobility, especially among rural communities", he said.

However, he reminded UEC holders to master English well given that most of the curricula at the four universities use it as an introductory language.

He said the requirements for English language proficiency vary by university and program, including the requirement of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) result or compliance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), depending on institutional regulations.

Regarding industrial training opportunities, he explained that UEC holders who enjoy FTES have the same opportunity as other students to undergo industrial training or placement in related sectors, subject to available opportunities and placements.

He emphasized that UEC holders should not feel different from other students as Sarawak's education policy aims to ensure every eligible citizen has fair and equal educational opportunities. - TVS