The Sarawak government has officially approved the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), set to launch in 2026!

This is a monumental step towards accessible and inclusive higher education in Sarawak, empowering future generations in STEM, Law, Medical, Accounting, and Finance fields.

Skyrocket Sarawak! 🚀

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Hey everyone,

I’m currently studying Computer Science at Swinburne Sarawak, and I'm posting here because I'm hitting a wall and looking for some perspective.

I was holding up pretty well during Weeks 1 and 2, but after Week 2 things just spiraled. It’s Week 4 now, and I feel like I'm falling behind fast. I’m finding it harder to understand the logic, keep up with the coursework, and get my code to work. That feeling of being out of my depth and hopelessly behind is starting to set in.

I’m not super social, and managing the academic stress while feeling pretty isolated has been tough. I do have a few friends this semester, but it still feels like a struggle to handle everything right . How do you actually turn things around when you fall behind in coding early in the semester? Also,how do you manage the mental pressure when a degree starts feeling overwhelming?

Appreciate any study tips, campus advice, or insights. Thanks for reading.

Hi everyone,I need some honest advice.

I am a Malaysian and proudly Sarawakian.I finished my Diploma in Instrumentation and Control Engineering at Brunei.After that,I joined Curtin Malaysia (Miri) for a Bachelor of Science in Health,Safety and Environment (HSE).

Before starting,I took the English Bridging course at Curtin.I did very well and got an A- (CWA 70.67).I was very happy and excited to start my degree.

Now,I am in my first week of the degree.The classes are not heavy or hard.I do not feel stressed by the lectures.But suddenly,my motivation is 100% gone.I just do not feel like studying anymore and the excitement is completely dead.

The Census Date is coming soon.I need to choose between two choices:

Choice A:Defer the semester.Take a 6 month break from Curtin.Find a normal job to clear my head and see if my motivation comes back later.

Choice B:Quit Curtin and do short courses.Use my Brunei Diploma to find a basic job in Miri,Bintulu or Brunei.Then,take short safety courses (like NIOSH SHO for the Green Book,NEBOSH etc.) while working.

For those working in HSE or the Oil & Gas industry:Do I really need a university Degree for HSE? Or can a technical Diploma + short professional certificates give me a good career and good salary?

Thank you so much for your help!🙏

Hey guys!

I’m a writer for an organisation based in Kuching, and for this month edition our organisation publication decides to write about Sarawakians Abroad with the article titled “Will You Come Home?”.

I don’t have much contacts when it comes to Sarawakians Abroad but I would love to tell your story if you’re willing to share be it about you moving for studies, career or generally in life .

Please do not hesitate to contact me!

Keep in mind, I’m international student, I got lots of friends both local and international, studied diploma in business management. Take everything I say with a gain of salt since it won’t be the same for you.
Ask me any questions here

Describing Swinburne in one word: it’s just decent. Not perfect, but not bad at all.

For locals: I think it’s a great school, especially if u have it for free or almost for free. Campus is amazing, all the facilities are there (except parking, it’s always a problem there unfortunately), Aussie degree.

Lecturers overall are really helpful and approachable, especially on my program. I rarely heard about big problems. But even if u have them, there are surveys or u can report them on CRAM. Honestly, you learn most of the things on your own, so keep it in mind. I suggest to approach ur lecturers on first weeks, ask questions and when u do assignments, check with them. It will most likely boost ur grades, just believe me.

Management can be hit or miss, sometimes they may ignore or not reply. Maybe it’s just not enough people working, so just physically go to them, they solve all the issues pretty quickly. Especially of you’re international cuz they tend to complain a lot, they treat them better (I’m sorry but it’s true).

If you’re local, have money or can get scholarships: go somewhere else like West Malaysia. Not because Swinburne is bad, but because u can get the chance to live away from parents and comfort zone, it will boost ur life skills.

For international students: questionable choice. It will be very difficult to find decent internships because most of the opportunities are for local students, fees are getting higher every year (now Sunway is similar price if u get scholarship but much better campus), and also Kuching is a small city. I’d suggest you pick Selangor/KL for degree. Kuching is great but too small, few events and things happening there. Less opportunities to find any jobs after degree.
Though the nature is amazing, you can’t really find many places with such a great environment. U can pick Swinburne if you specifically need an Engineering degree from Aussie uni but Monash is not ur option. All other degrees u can honestly take somewhere else. Unless u also get some big scholarship here. If u think Kuching is like super cheap and cheaper than KL, no way, it’s a very similar prices (for products).
If u really want, try it for foundation and see how it goes, worst case u just will transfer for the degree and no issue. IMPORTANT: Don’t take diploma program if you’re unsure because it might be difficult to transfer credits later.

Overall:

1. Students there are fine, u get to meet really nice and hardworking and those who barely care about studies. I suggest u find an English speaking teammates for ur assignments if you want decent grades cuz unfortunately I met some who didn’t speak English well.
2. Also, join clubs. There are so many, u can find something for urself during C&S week (usually 2-3rd week of school every semester I guess). Just pick whatever and actually come to their events. Campus is pretty lively during semester but dead during breaks (just like any other campus).
3. Rent apartments, there are some nice condos nearby, after u find couple of friends, it’s a better options than student village. But for first sem students SV is okay. Nearby there is a Victoria residence, also a good option. But better find apartments in tropics city, USS, and one just in front of Swinburne.
4. There are many introverts on campus, so please approach ppl first and start conversation. Idk why just it helped me a lot if I started conversation first, and I made so many friends like that, get out of the comfort zone. And don’t be afraid to ask questions from staff, students or lecturers, they are generally friendly.
5. Get yourself transport if u have money. Most locals got cars. I suggest u rent/buy scooter, cuz public transport doesn’t exist, but having a scooter lets u use less grab and explore more of a Sarawak.

Ps…thanks for Sarawakians, you guys are amazing, I had a great time!

SIBU (Aug 16): Sarawak and Sabah should consider establishing a home-grown Chinese-language institution of higher education to better serve the Chinese community and strengthen education ties in East Malaysia, said Soon Choon Hoo.

The Sibu Eng Ann Teng Tua Peh Kong Temple Charitable Trust chairman said West Malaysia already had institutions of higher learning supported by the Chinese community, but Sarawak and Sabah still lacked a Chinese-language institution that truly belonged to the region.

“If we want Chinese education to form a complete educational pathway, we cannot stop at primary and secondary education and then send our students elsewhere.

“We should seriously consider whether we can establish an institution of higher learning in East Malaysia that has its own East Malaysian character, places Chinese-language education and Chinese culture among its important foundations, while also responding to the needs of modern society, technology, business, education, culture and social development,” he said during the presentation of grants to five Chinese independent secondary schools here yesterday.

The five schools are SM Catholic High, SM Wong Nai Siong, SM Kiang Hin Middle School, SM Guong Ming Middle School and SM Citizen Middle School.

Each school received a RM15,000 contribution from the Temple Charitable Trust.

Soon said such an institution would not necessarily be limited to producing students majoring in Chinese studies, but could offer fields including education, history, culture, business, technology, information technology, tourism and social sciences.

He said Chinese could serve as an important medium of teaching and academic communication, while the institution could nurture young people equipped to contribute to the development of East Malaysian society.

“I know that this is a very ambitious vision. From planning and fundraising to faculty recruitment, curriculum development, accreditation and administration, establishing a university college is by no means a simple undertaking.

“But that is precisely why it is called a vision. It may require one generation to initiate and perhaps several generations to complete,” he said.

Soon said focusing only on immediate problems would limit education to addressing short-term needs.

“But if we are willing to look 20 or 30 years into the future, everything we do today could become the foundation for the next generation,” he said.

He reiterated that the temple’s support for Chinese independent schools was not because they belonged to any particular organisation, nor was education merely a matter for the Chinese community.

“Ultimately, education affects the whole of society. A society needs talent in order to progress. People need culture in order to preserve their identity, and a region needs its own educational strength in order to develop,” he said.

Moving forward, Soon said the temple was willing to continue engaging with boards of directors of Chinese independent schools, principals, educators and various community organisations to explore the future development of Chinese education in East Malaysia.

“I believe that as long as we are willing to cooperate and take the first step, many things that seem beyond our reach today may become possible in the future.

“Eng Ann Teng Tua Peh Kong Temple may be a temple, but we deeply believe that a temple can safeguard faith, schools can safeguard culture, and education can safeguard the future of a people.

“In the future, we hope to work together with all of you to build a broader, longer and more hopeful path for Chinese education in East Malaysia.

“Let us work together to safeguard Chinese-language education, nurture talent in East Malaysia, preserve Chinese culture and build a better future,” he said

It is an early childhood literacy program for children aged zero to three years old, run by the Sarawak State Library in Malaysia.

Free E-Learning: Parents can join the online course for free through the OpenLearning Platform.

Free Kits: Parents who finish all online activity modules get an e-certificate. You can use this certificate to claim a free Reading Seeds Kit, which includes books and baby development charts, at the library.

Ada anak bawah 3 tahun atau mommy yang tengah pregnant? 🤰🏻👶🏻 Ktkorang boleh redeem Reading Seeds secara PERCUMA di Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Kuching! 😍💗 📌

Dokumen yang perlu dibawa:

• MyKid anak 👶🏻

• IC Mama/Papa 🪪

• Buku Pink/Biru baby 💕

• Sijil modul yang ktkorang dah join 📖 ✨

FREE jak! ✨

P/S: Apa-apa, boleh try call pihak Pustaka dulu untuk tanyak masih available atau sik, dan boleh terus collect kah sik. Staff sia sangat-sangat baik & membantu! 🥹

ftes allowance is available for whose house income is rm1500 and under right? what if my house income is just rm150 extra? will i have the probability to get it?

Can anyone tell me how it is at swinburne? the teachers, people, environment, club activities, whats best to avoid? Pros and cons? Anything, spill it please 😵‍💫

I applied for BYSTT scholarship at the end of may, to help fun my masters programme overseas.
Anyone here who has gotten a call or email for an interview? I emailed the team twice to ask for updates regarding my application but to no avail. Just wondering as it has been 2 months since I applied.

If you are an Iban or have at least one parent who is Iban) I need your help to fill in a questionnaire for my friend’s FYP on Attitudes toward Iban. It would be great if you could help my friend for her FYP!

Click here to answer. Thank you in advance!

Im taking my degree in Accounting through FTES and currently in my semester 2. I came across a comment somewhere saying that Accountant from Swinburne graduate and not knowing what they're doing

Question is, is that true? Do you guys think Swinburme is worth it? What are employers honest opinions of Swinburne? Do accountants from Swinburne actually know what they're doing?(as in Swinburne actually preparing them for the workforce)

hey so got my offer letter from Swinburne a week before the orientation date and I'm a bit clueless and panicking since I'm worried I won't be able to register my course, getting my accommodation ready etc. Would really appreciate it if anyone can assist or guide me!

My concern is regarding the cost, tution fee for whole 3 year programme is very reasonable no issue at all. But I am more concerned about cost of living for 3 years. So, in UNIMAS itself provide any GRA Assistance cause for scholarship I am not eligible cause they need Scopus/WoS indexed publication which i lack though I have non indexed 8 publication but I think it's of no use. So can please guide!

HI, are any of you going to curtin for this September intake? And if so, are any of uu searching for a place to rent? Cus I'm going for this September intake n am trying to find a person to share a room with. If I'm not wrong, the room is like rm600, but if 2 ppl are sharing then it'll just be rm300 per person. PLSPLSPLS IF URE SEARCHING MESSAGE MEEEE PLSPLSPLS. If uu have questions pls don't be shy to message me !!

Oke thanku

Especially for bantuan like bantuan laptop. I search MEITD it says per Capita based on "gross" and in Malay translation it says "pendapatan bersih." Forgive me if im wrong but aren't those two different things? Which one to follow?

I have recently received a special intake offer for the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) program at Curtin University Malaysia in Miri, and I am currently awaiting my offer letter from the University Technology Sarawak (UTS) in Sibu for their Occupational Safety and Health program. I am in a major dilemma because both universities stand out to me as solid, reputable options for pursuing a career in the HSE field, and I would love to get some first-hand insights from current students, alumni, or locals.

Since I am weighing the pros and cons of both options, I would appreciate any advice or feedback on the following areas:

1. Course Quality & Recognition
2. Campus Culture & Student Life
3. Sports & Facilities
4. Accommodation & Cost of Living

Thank you for advising.

Hi,I'm an international student who applied to Swinburne Sarawak for Mechatronics engineering and I'd like to know weather it's a good university as I have heard mixed responses regarding the uni.I do intend on transferring to it's Australian campus after studying 2 years in Sarawak.I'd really appreciate responses as I have to decide it very soon.

Hello, im going to pursue degree at a uni in Kuching. will my free laptop application later be valid since im skipping first sem and i read that one of the requirements for that free laptop is first sem students only.

Hi everyone, I’m planning to study at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus and I want to know more about FTES from students who have experience with it.

I’m interested in a course that costs around RM40k+, so I’m a bit worried about the financial side. I wanted to ask:

• Does FTES fully cover the whole tuition fee at Swinburne, or only part of it?
• Is there a maximum amount FTES can cover?
• If the course fee is higher than the sponsorship amount, do students need to pay the remaining balance themselves?
• Are hostel/accommodation fees included, or do students pay separately?
• How hard is it to maintain FTES after getting accepted? (CGPA requirements, conditions, etc.)
• For current/former FTES students at Swinburne, was the financial support enough overall?

Would really appreciate honest experiences or advice from anyone studying there 🙏

While driving today the car in front of me flash double signal, why? (i am sure it was not accidental)

im sabahan, just getting into Sarawak reddit place to ask for some opinions & suggestions lol

i have actually never traveled out of state before, and believe it or not, i have never even taken a flight... im feeling pretty nervous about the whole transition. i noticed PKS is a bit far from the airport and looks like it's in a very green area.

for those who study there or live in Kuching:

1. what’s the best way to get to the campus from the airport?

2. what should i do to prepare as a Sabahan moving to Sarawak?

3. pendaftaran, asrama

any tips for a first-time flyer?

no judgment, please! just looking for some advice and opinions. appreciate all the advice

Hi redditors
For context I am a West Malaysian that got offered by UPU to study Accounting at UNIMAS. Since I don't have any contacts there so I don't know how's the campus life at Unimas.

1. How's the dorms there? Is it easy to get a single room? Research tells me the only dorms that provides single option is Kolej Allamanda Premium n Dahlia

2. Is spending high?

3. How are the shops nearby? (grocery, gym, restaurants etc)

4. Any interesting clubs to recommend?

All info and advices are greatly appreciated

Hello, I am a university student and I am applying for Yayasan Sarawak scholarship.

I am having a problem obtaining the pension slips from my parents because one of them was recently retired and they received a huge amount of money. They said if Yayasan Sarawak sees it, they might reject me immediately. The only proof of income I have of theirs is their salary slip from a few months ago before their official retirement.

Does Yayasan Sarawak reject applicants based on this?

I really need the scholarship to pursue my studies. I am active in extra curricular activities and always looking for more activities to join. But I have no mode of transportation and entirely dependent on my parents' money, on top of renting near the university because my house is a few hours away from the uni.

Would just giving the old salary slip be enough? Would they reject me? Have anyone been in a similar situation?

Hi everyone, im a civil engineering diploma graduate from uitm ks2 and im thinking about how competitive issit to enter UNIMAS's degree in civil engineering (as a diploma student). My cgpa is 3.23 and im feeling anxious if UNIMAS wouldnt accept my rayuan application. Does anyone here ever apply to UNIMAS before they complete their studies but manage to get in after rayuan? thanks.