Some 3,000 Swinburne students benefit from free tertiary education

KUCHING: Approximately 3,000 students at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus are currently pursuing their studies with support from the Sarawak Government’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES).

Swinburne Sarawak’s Board of Directors Chairman, Datuk Amar Jaul Samion said the scheme, now in its first year of implementation, has widened access to higher education for eligible Sarawakian students.

He noted that Swinburne Sarawak is among four Sarawak-owned higher education institutions participating in the initiative.

“To date, approximately 3,000 students are now studying here with the support of FTES.

“On behalf of the board, our staff, our students and their families, I thank the Premier most sincerely for making this valuable educational opportunity possible,” he said.

Jaul said this at the university’s ‘2026 Appreciation and Awards Dinner: A Night for Alumni and Partners’ at The Waterfront Hotel here on Tuesday night (Oct. 13).

The event was attended by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is also the university’s Pro-Chancellor.

Jaul stressed that the university remains committed to maintaining the same educational standards for all students, regardless of how their studies are funded.

“At Swinburne Sarawak, our commitment remains consistent: to ensure that every student, however funded, receives the same world-class education for which Swinburne is known.

“The board will continue to hold the university accountable to that commitment,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jaul said 952 graduates joined Swinburne Sarawak’s alumni community this year.

He said the university’s alumni continue to contribute to Sarawak’s development across various sectors, including digital technology, engineering, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and entrepreneurship.

“You have taken the Swinburne spirit – the spirit of curiosity, practical innovation, and bold thinking – and used it to build a stronger, more resilient Sarawak.

“You prove that a global degree earned right here in Kuching is a powerful tool for localised transformation. You are our greatest ambassadors,” he added.

Jaul also expressed appreciation to the university’s industry partners for providing students with practical experience and preparing them for employment.

These include collaborations with Sarawak Energy Berhad, the Sarawak Public Works Department (PWD), and the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO).

“Your collaborations, internships, research funding, and industrial insights ensure that Swinburne’s curriculum remains world-class and strictly relevant.

“By taking these students under your wing, you are directly co-authoring Sarawak’s economic future.

“You ensure that our human capital does not just look for jobs, but creates the high-value industries of tomorrow,” he said.