PENANG: The Sarawak Government continues to strengthen its ties with Sarawakian students across the country through the inaugural ‘Ngabas Anak Sarawak’ Programme held at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang.

Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the Sarawak Government is committed to ensuring that Sarawak children abroad continue to receive support in terms of education, career opportunities, talent development, and updates on the Sarawak Government’s vision and mission.

According to him, among the key initiatives introduced are the provision of free laptops worth RM3,000, annual book vouchers worth RM500, and a Special Financial Assistance (BKK) of RM1,200 per year for Sarawakian students throughout Malaysia.

“This programme proves that the state government has not forgotten Sarawakian children abroad.

“We want them to remain connected to their homeland and to know that Sarawak fully supports their academic and career journeys,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the 'Ngabas Anak Sarawak' Programme at USM organised by MEITD here on Monday. 

The launch event was attended by about 300 students from various public and private higher education institutions across Peninsular Malaysia, including from Perlis, Kedah, and Perak.

The programme also featured a forum session with MEITD Deputy Minister, Datuk Dr. Annuar Rapa’ee and Chief Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, discussing Sarawak’s direction through the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030) and the important role of students.

Various agencies also took part in the programme, including the Human Resource Development and Management Unit, Sarawak Liaison Office (Rumah Sarawak), Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), SMD Sarawak, Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS), Sarawak Skills, Sarawak Foundation, and Sarawak Volunteers.

Also present were MEITD Deputy Minister, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, representative of the Permanent Secretary to MEITD, Sharifah Fariah, representative of the Director of the Student Development Centre, Student Development and Alumni Affairs Division of USM, Hafiz Meah Ghouse Meah, Sarawak Liaison Officer, Awang Supian Awang Daud, President of the Sarawak Student Association at USM, Andrian Russel Zacheous Keris, and Project Director of the 'Ngabas Anak Sarawak' Programme, Dominic Antasin Jessee. -UKASnews