He said that while scholarship recipients are typically required to serve in Sarawak after graduation, those receiving free education from institutions like Swinburne University of Technology’s Sarawak Campus, Curtin University Malaysia and the University of Technology Sarawak will be exempted, Dayak Daily reported.

“With this initiative, we will provide education without requiring a bond because our focus is on upgrading the workforce,” he was quoted as saying.

It was previously reported that Sarawakians may be able to pursue free tertiary education at all state-owned universities by 2026. However, this will not apply to all courses.

Abang Johari also said the state government will prioritise in-demand fields, such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics, otherwise known as STEM courses, to prevent the issue of graduate unemployment.

“Even within the arts, accounting and finance are important. Law is also crucial as it is a growing field with new legislation,” he added.

On concerns about graduates choosing to work overseas, particularly in Singapore, Abang Johari expressed confidence that they would return.

“If we lack expertise and advanced technology, they may not come back. But if they see a future here, they will choose Sarawak over other places.

“However, if we continue using outdated methods, then it won’t work,” he said.