SIBU: The Sarawak government has announced several scholarships through University Technology Sarawak (UTS) in its effort to make education affordable and accessible to everyone in the state.

       Speaking at the launch of UTS on Wednesday (Nov 10), Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the government was aware that the cost of education had increased over the years but family income had not increased in tandem.

       "I know many parents and graduates are anxious to pay off their study loans. I am committed to ensuring that all Sarawakians have access to higher education," he said.

       In conjunction with the launch of UTS, therefore, the state government has introduced incentives to students who wish to further their studies there.

       The first is the UTS Foundation Scholarship funded by the state government and is open to all students.

       "This scholarship will cover tuition fee of RM10,000 per student," said Abang Johari.

       Under the second incentive, the UTS Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarships funded by the state government Special Scholarship Scheme will bear 50% of the tuition fees of all successful applicants for their undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

       "Based on a five-year projection, this involves a commitment of RM17.2mil to RM27mil per year from UTS," he added.

       The Chief Minister said that under the UTS Bursary Scheme for Sarawakians, successful applicants from the B40 and M40 group will enjoy 80% off tuition fees.

       The scheme is able to accommodate 100 bumiputra and 100 non-bumiputra students a year.

       Other forms of financial assistance are from Yayasan Sarawak in the form of interest-free education loans to cover learning and living costs while pursuing studies at UTS, he added.

       "(These) scholarships and other incentives will provide more opportunities for Sarawakians at all levels to further their studies at UTS which is wholly owned by the state government.

       "This initiative will also provide greater access to affordable higher education for all students in rural areas, especially students who are from the B40 category," he added.

       Abang Johari said UTS is expected to have a student population of 4,000 by 2024.

       He also announced the setting up of a new Research Chair, the Dr Wong Soon Kai Chair in Medical Device Technology, in an effort to enhance research and development in the institution.

       UTS, which was previously a university college, was established in April 2013.

       Its chairman Dr Annuar Rapaee said it has so far produced 2,200 graduates, 99% of whom had secured employment.