Pemegang UEC tak disyarat kuasai BM belajar percuma di Sarawak

Sarawak's government has clarified that Malaysian University Entrance Certificate (UEC) holders do not need to be fluent in Malay to receive free higher education through the Free Education for Talented Students (FTES) scheme, according to Dr Annuar Rapaee, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Skill Development. The eligibility for FTES is based on academic admission requirements and special programs offered by four participating universities – Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak campus, Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS), Curtin Malaysia University, and i-CATS University College.

While Malay language proficiency is not a requirement for FTES, proficiency in English is essential as it is the primary language of instruction at these institutions. Dr Annuar clarified that UEC holders must generally achieve a minimum of five Grade B's for entry into undergraduate programs and may need to complete additional prerequisite subjects such as Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, and Physical Sciences.

Some institutes also set their own English language requirements. Once admitted, UEC holders can choose from 64 FTES programs without submitting separate applications. As of June 30, 192 UEC students had received full scholarship funding under FTES, with 137 studying at Swinburne Sarawak, 33 at UTS, 21 at Curtin Malaysia, and one at i-CATS University College.

Dr Annuar emphasized that the inclusion of UEC students in FTES reflects Sarawak's commitment to ensuring that qualified students from all backgrounds have equal opportunities to pursue higher education and develop their skills and talents. He stressed that no deserving Sarawakian should be denied educational opportunities and hoped this announcement would clearly convey to the entire Sarawakian community, particularly UEC holders, that they are no different from others in their eligibility for such prestigious scholarships.