From 2026, UEC Graduates Will Also Enjoy Free Tertiary Education in Sarawak
Sarawak’s recognition of the UEC and its free tertiary education initiative aims to build a strong and sustainable talent pipeline for the future.
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Did you know?
The Sarawak government has announced that starting from 2026, Sarawakian students (Anak Sarawak) who hold the UEC (Unified Examination Certificate) and meet the low-income household criteria will be eligible for Free Tertiary Education (FTES) at state-owned universities—covering full tuition fees and offering living allowances.
This initiative focuses especially on key fields such as STEM, law, and medicine, to strengthen Sarawak’s human capital.
🌟 Sarawak is the only state in Malaysia that officially recognises the UEC.
UEC graduates can enter Sarawak’s university system and even apply for state civil service positions—something not available in Peninsular Malaysia.
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📘 What is the UEC?
UEC stands for Unified Examination Certificate, used by Malaysian Chinese Independent Schools.
It is planned, administered, and issued by Dong Zong and Jiao Zong, and consists of:
• Junior UEC
• Senior UEC
The UEC is the most important academic qualification in the Chinese independent school system and is recognised by many universities worldwide.
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⚠️ “If we don’t recognise the UEC, Sarawak will lose talent.”
Premier Abang Johari warned that without UEC recognition, many high-achieving students would leave for other countries, causing Sarawak to lose valuable human resources.
He stressed that future competitiveness depends on multilingual ability: English + Mandarin + Malay.
Today, more than half of the students in Sarawak’s Chinese schools are indigenous, and within the next 10 years, even more Malay, Iban, and Bidayuh students are expected to speak fluent Mandarin—creating a unique international advantage for Sarawak.
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🌏 Why the UEC Matters to Sarawak
✔ 1. A Stable Talent Pipeline
UEC students can continue their studies in state universities, supplying talent for sectors like hydrogen, green energy, and digital technology.
✔ 2. Language Advantage
Mastering Mandarin + English = a global passport.
Abang Johari said:
“Not knowing Mandarin in this era means missing out on opportunities.”
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🎓 Free Higher Education for UEC Graduates from 2026
This applies to all state-owned higher education institutions, including:
• UNIMAS
• Curtin Malaysia
• Swinburne Sarawak
• UTS
• i-CATS University College
• CENTEXS
Abang Johari said:
“We don’t just give you the fish—we teach you how to fish.”
Sarawak’s growing hydrogen sector, carbon trading, and green economy require skilled and multilingual youth.
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💰 Continuous Support for Chinese Education: RM92 Million Allocated
Sarawak has consistently supported Chinese education, including:
• RM10 million allocated to independent Chinese schools last year
• 369 smart classrooms to be completed by 2026
These investments reduce teacher workload and improve learning quality.
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🌱 Sarawak Does Not Politicise Education
Abang Johari emphasised:
“Politicising education only leads to endless arguments and national decline.”
Education is the backbone of income growth and economic transformation.
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📚 Chinese Schools Are Not Only for Chinese Students
Of the 60,000 students in Sarawak’s Chinese primary schools, 38% are indigenous students, showing the strong quality of Chinese education and the inclusiveness of the Sarawak Model.
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🤝 International Collaboration with Chinese Universities
Sarawak is in talks with top universities such as Fudan University to establish advanced institutes locally, strengthening research and talent development.
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🧭 Sarawak’s Future Direction
Abang Johari said Sarawak must be bold like China and embrace new technologies:
• Green energy
• Hydrogen industry
• Digital economy
• Artificial intelligence
• Smart education
“If China can do it, Sarawak can do it too.”
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📌 Long-Term Impact (5 Key Outcomes)
1. Attraction and retention of talent
2. Stronger language competitiveness (Mandarin + English)
3. Upgraded education system (smart classrooms + free university education)
4. Support for new-economy sectors (hydrogen, tech, green industries)
5. A fairer and more inclusive education ecosystem
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✨ Conclusion
UEC + multilingual skills + free university education
form the core strategy for Sarawak’s development over the next 10–20 years.
Sarawak is moving toward a more modern, open, and practical future:
less political noise, more results; less division, more talent-building.
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What do you think?
Is recognising the UEC, promoting Mandarin education, and offering free university studies one of Sarawak’s most important decisions for the future?
