SIBU: University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) welcomed a total of 365 new Foundation programme students, including from Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia, to the campus.
A three-day orientation programme kicked off yesterday that saw 284 students registering for Foundation in Art and 81 for Foundation in Science.
Vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid, in his welcoming speech during the June Foundation intake oath-taking ceremony today, said they were the first to study at UTS following it becoming a full-fledged university.
“This university, you all know, is owned by the Sarawak government. So, the Sarawak government has been generous.
“You are the first batch of Foundation students who have been given a special privilege in that you don’t have to pay the tuition fees fully.
“This is not only for Sarawakians but for everybody, as long as you are a Malaysian. So, it is a very special arrangement by the Sarawak government, to give free education even at Foundation level.”
Prof Khairuddin also pointed out that this new batch of students was also the first to join UTS after Covid-19 struck the country.
“I know, being a product of this pandemic, you have gone through Form 4 and 5 most of the time online.
“So, this is a challenging time. Because you have gone through two years of school education online.
“Now you come back to university with a different environment and we understand the challenges that you and your parents faced, to switch from face-to-face (lessons) then two years online and now back to face-to-face.”
“We do not know to what extent of exposure in terms of your learning and experience during Form 4 and 5.
“So, we have to work together to make sure that you will follow your higher education here as efficiently, as smooth as possible, and at the same time, you enjoy campus life here,” he added.
Prof Khairuddin also thanked the students and parents for choosing UTS. “I know there are so many choices out there. There are so many public universities, private universities or to continue with your Form 6.
“But the fact that you are here today with us, we are very grateful. We appreciate your confidence in us. This is now our job and responsibility to make sure you have a good education at UTS.”
