SIBU: The University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) will come up with a new formula to increase student intake at the university.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee who is chairman of the UTS board of directors said a proposal has been submitted to hold a quality basic studies programme at the university through which students can be accepted to continue their studies at other universities such as Swinburne University and Curtin University as well as foreign universities.
“I will contact the universities in a little while to discuss collaboration in creating the foundation programme,” he said when met by reporters at his open house yesterday (April 25).
Earlier, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg praised Dr Annuar who has worked hard not only in developing Sibu, but also developing Bumiputera children so that they can get education in line with current needs.
“Dr Annuar has suggested to me that bumiputera children be added to study at UTS together with non-bumiputera friends.
“Due to the high fees, he worked with me to request that there be a new model to help bumiputera children who can continue their studies at university level but are unable to pay the fees.
“Finally last year, we had a special Sarawak Foundation programme to help our bumiputera children.
“Finally, the number of our children who continue their studies at UTS increased,” he said in his speech during an open house with Sibu community at Dewan Lakis here.
Abang Johari stressed the government under his leadership will continue to try to get more income for Sarawak so that it can be channeled to the Sarawak Foundation to help more of these children in education.
Abang Johari was accompanied by his wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang during his visit to Dr Annuar’s open house.
In the entourage were Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Office (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.
