KUCHING: The 'Siswa Balik Sekolah’ programme will be introduced as an initial effort by the Sarawak Government to ensure that the implementation of the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) in 2026 truly benefits rural students, especially in strengthening their grasp of core subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and English.

Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr. Annuar Rapa’ee said the programme is still in the early stages of discussion with universities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), but it has already been identified as an essential mechanism to screen, guide, and empower rural students so they do not miss out on the benefits of free education.

“If free education is implemented but does not reach rural students, then it defeats the purpose. Rural students may not fully benefit from this opportunity unless we first build a strong foundation at the primary level,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the TCS–Taqwa Foundation Educational Assistance Appreciation and Presentation Ceremony here, on Friday.

According to him, through the ‘Siswa Balik Sekolah’ programme, universities and colleges throughout Sarawak will be asked to 'adopt' one or two primary schools, especially in rural areas.

Tertiary students will then voluntarily go to the ground to assist Year 3 to Year 6 pupils in core subjects.

"We want institutes of higher learning (IPT) students to give back to society. They will help primary school students, focusing on Mathematics, Science and English.

“This initiative also aligns with the Dual Language Programme (DLP) and the cultivation of STEM interest from an early age,” he said.

The programme is expected to be officially implemented next year, with engagement sessions to be held during semester breaks.

Four universities have been identified to initiate this programme by zone, namely Swinburne University and i-CATS in the southern zone, UTS in the central zone, and Curtin University in the northern zone of Sarawak.

Datuk Dr. Annuar added that his ministry is currently in discussions with the Sarawak State Education Department (JPNS) and strategic partners in the higher education sector to finalise the implementation of the initiative within the next six months. -UKASnews