The Sarawak government has expressed its support for the suggestion made by the Federation of Chinese Associations Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Division to bring Shanghai Fudan University from China to establish a branch campus in Sarawak. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stated that the establishment of the campus would provide additional educational opportunities for Sarawakian students.
Abang Johari emphasized the importance of having the fifth-ranked university in China set up a campus in Sarawak. He mentioned that Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian is currently in discussions with Chinese authorities to facilitate cooperation between Malaysia and China for the implementation of this initiative.
These comments were made during a Chinese New Year dinner and the 45th anniversary celebration of the Federation of Chinese Associations Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian Division on Sunday night (Feb 25). In addition, Abang Johari announced the allocation of a five-acre land grant and RM15mil for the construction of a new building for Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Chung Hua No.4 Kuching.
The Sarawak Chinese Charitable Trust Board will also receive three acres of land and RM5mil for the purpose of carrying out charitable activities. Prior to this, the president of the Federation of Chinese Association Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Division, Datuk Richard Wee Liang Chiat, urged the state government to attract top universities from China to establish branch campuses in Sarawak.
During the event, Wee highlighted that these branch campuses would enhance higher education in Sarawak, which already hosts branch campuses of Curtin and Swinburne universities from Australia. He also expressed support for the state’s initiative to provide tuition-free higher education to selected Sarawakian students at state-owned institutions.
Wee emphasized the benefits of offering free higher education, stating that it would give more Sarawakian children the opportunity to pursue higher education without placing a financial burden on their parents. The policy is seen as a positive step towards promoting education and providing equal opportunities for all aspiring students in Sarawak. – Bernama
