Premier’s Office and Curtin Malaysia host Sarawak Government Education Initiative Briefing, empowering youth to shape Sarawak’s future

Miri, Sarawak – 3 August 2025 – Over 400 students gathered in The Auditorium of Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) on Friday to participate in the Sarawak Government Education Initiative Briefing, an impactful town hall session aimed at encouraging young Sarawakians to take the lead in driving the state’s future development.

Delivering the keynote address, Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, Chief Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak and Tupong Assemblyman, urged the pre-university and undergraduate students to see themselves not merely as recipients of government aid, but as active contributors to Sarawak’s transformation.

“Failing to plan is planning to fail. Just as the government has a long-term strategy for Sarawak through PCDS 2030, you too must have a strategy for your life – your studies, your career, your contribution,” he said. “You are the future of this state.”

He emphasised that the Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 was created with Sarawak’s youth in mind – to build a future driven by economic growth, innovation, sustainability and inclusivity. However, he stressed that achieving this vision relies on local talent rising to the challenge.

“Sarawak’s future for the next 50 to 100 years will be secure if all of you step up. We need you to be ready to take on the opportunities being created, especially in emerging sectors like green energy and hydrogen.”

Dato Fazzrudin likened the role of the government to that of a parent working tirelessly to create better opportunities for the next generation and called on students to honour those sacrifices by succeeding in their studies and contributing meaningfully to their communities and state.

The event formed part of a statewide outreach programme organised by the Premier of Sarawak’s Office involving political secretaries and representatives from various state agencies. Attendees from Curtin Malaysia included foundation, diploma and degree students in various disciplines, who engaged actively in the sessions and presentations.

Welcoming the delegation of political secretaries, government agency partners, and students, Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, expressed the university’s commitment to supporting the government’s educational and developmental objectives.

“As a proudly Sarawak Government-owned institution, Curtin University Malaysia is deeply committed to the aspirations of our Sarawak Government, particularly in the areas of education, human capital development, and economic transformation,” said Professor Lee. “We see today’s event not just as a briefing, but as a critical platform to share life-changing opportunities with our young people and empower them to fully participate in Sarawak’s transformation journey.”

The students also heard from agencies including the Economic Planning Unit Sarawak, Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), Yayasan Sarawak, Sarawak Centre of Performance Excellence (SCOPE), Housing Development Corporation (HDC), and Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS).

The students were introduced to a variety of support schemes and opportunities, such as Bantuan Khas Kerajaan (BKK), Yayasan Sarawak’s financial aid, the Sarawak Rental Assistance Scheme (SRAS), and graduate upskilling and placement programmes like GETS and GAPS.

“These topics are not only timely but essential in helping our students – the future leaders and innovators of Sarawak – understand the opportunities that await them and how they can be active participants in Sarawak’s progress,” said Professor Lee.

“Curtin Malaysia is proud to stand alongside the Sarawak Government and its agencies in advancing their transformative goals. Through our strengths in higher education, applied research, talent development, and community engagement, we are fully aligned with and committed to supporting Sarawak’s vision for a thriving, knowledge-based economy and a more inclusive, prosperous society,” he added.

Echoing this sentiment, Dato Fazzrudin concluded his session by encouraging the students to be proactive in seeking out opportunities, reminding them that they play a central role in realising Sarawak’s long-term aspirations.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Chief Political Secretary Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman addressing the students.

Professor Vincent Lee welcoming the political secretaries, government agency partners, and students.

The political secretaries greeting the students.

Dato Fazzrudin addressing the large gathering of students.

Group photo of political secretaries, government agency partners, university management and students.