Sarawak’s development momentum is gaining pace under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, a comprehensive roadmap aimed at positioning the state as a high-income economy driven by innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Through targeted focus on key growth sectors, the plan is transforming industries, generating opportunities, and empowering the next generation.
For youth, this transformation opens doors to meaningful, future-oriented careers that not only build personal success but also contribute to Sarawak’s collective growth story.
Sarawak’s PCDS 2030 targets six key economic sectors—manufacturing, commercial agriculture, tourism, forestry, mining, and social services—supported by seven growth enablers, which include digital transformation, innovation, and renewable energy.
In 2025, new government initiatives were launched to grow the semiconductor, renewable energy, and agritech industries, with the semiconductor field expected to create 3,000 skilled jobs by 2030.
For Sarawak youth, the emerging economy demands more than just technical knowledge — it requires creativity, adaptability, and collaboration.
Whether they choose higher education, technical training, or entrepreneurship, developing skills that align with these sectors will help them stay ahead in a rapidly changing economy.
While Malaysia’s unemployment rate was relatively low at 3.1 percent in early 2025, Sarawak still reports skill gaps across various sectors, including engineering, ICT, and technical trades.
Rather than a problem, these gaps are an open opportunity for youth.
By pursuing available scholarships, skills training, and entrepreneurship support, young Sarawakians can play a vital role in advancing the state’s development.
Educational and Financial Support for Youth
In Sarawak, there are several organisations—government, GLCs, and NGOs—that offer support for youth to further their tertiary studies, as well as educational support as self-enhancement programmes to prepare for higher education or the workforce.
Yayasan Sarawak
As Sarawak’s principal education funding agency, Yayasan Sarawak continues to align its scholarships with the state’s talent needs.
Its 2025 scholarships focus on STEM and strategic sectors, giving priority to aerospace engineering, semiconductor technology, healthcare, life sciences, food technology, psychology and counselling, construction and land development, accounting, finance, and law.
The provided schemes and support include:
– Sarawak Foundation Tun Taib Scholarship: (BYSTT)
– Sarawak Tunku Abdul Rahman Scholarship Foundation (YBSTAR)
Under the BYSTT and YBSTAR schemes, Yayasan Sarawak awards scholarships to outstanding students studying at local or international universities, prioritising institutions owned by the Sarawak State Government.
Priority is given to students in the following field(s): STEM, aerospace engineering, semiconductor technology, healthcare, life sciences, food technology, psychology and counselling, construction and land development, accounting, finance, and law.
– UNIMAS Special Medical Program Scholarship
This scheme specifically targets students enrolled in the Bachelor of Medicine programme at University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).
Each year, 40 candidates are chosen to support the state’s goal of increasing its pool of medical professionals.
– Sarawak Foundation Local Scholarship (BTYS)
The programme provides financial aid to students from low-income families in Forms One to Form Six at national secondary schools across Sarawak, aimed at ensuring school continuity and promoting academic excellence.
– Admission Assistance to Tertiary / Technical Education
Offers financial support to help students manage the upfront costs of starting their studies at public universities and state-owned private institutions in Sarawak.
– BP40 Bursary
Through the BP40 Bursary, Yayasan Sarawak helps students from the B40 and M40 families continue their education at the Foundation, Diploma, or Degree level, covering 80% of their tuition costs.
– Sarawak Returning Graduate Initiative (i-GPS)
This subsidy helps cover flight costs for Sarawakians travelling from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah or Labuan back to Sarawak.
Eligible individuals can apply twice a year, with each trip reimbursed up to RM300.
– Local Education Scholarship Loan
This scheme offers loan scholarships to eligible students pursuing higher education locally at the Diploma, Bachelor’s, or Advanced Degree levels.
This includes enrolment through UPU at public universities, and at Sarawak-owned private universities such as Curtin Malaysia, Swinburne Sarawak, UTS, Kolej Laila Taib, and i-CATS University College.
– Overseas Education Loan
This loan assists eligible Sarawakian students in financing part of the cost of their studies abroad.
Priority is given to courses unavailable locally and recognised by the Public Service Department (JPA).
Applicants must meet academic and citizenship criteria, provide guarantors and property collateral, and start repayment six months post-graduation.
– Technical Training Scholarship Loan
This loan-scholarship supports Sarawakians aged 16 to 30 who wish to pursue full-time technical or skills training at local institutions accredited by Yayasan Sarawak.
The programme prioritises those who could not continue to higher education with repayments commencing six months after training ends.
As an incentive for repayment, a 25% to 75% discount is given to successful students, depending on the type of loan they took, and their CGPA.
These efforts support Yayasan Sarawak’s long-term objective of cultivating human capital that is not only skilled and educated but also equipped to strengthen Sarawak’s position in the global economy.
Ministry of Education, Innovation & Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD)
MEITD supports students by maintaining school facilities, fostering skills and talent, and offering programmes tailored to their needs.
Additionally, MEITD’s objective is to also bridge the education gap between students from rural and urban areas.
The provided schemes and support include:
– Sarawak Special Financial Assistance (BKK)
Grant students financial aid of RM1,200 at IPTA/IPTS for their diploma or first degree, provided that they do not receive a fixed allowance.
– Sarawak Book Voucher Assistance
This aid offers students currently studying in IPTA/IPTS in Malaysia, from Foundation to PhD, a RM500 voucher for book purchase.
The voucher can be redeemed through a SarawakPay (SPay Global) account.
– Sarawak Free Laptop Assistance
Offers full-time, first-year students—with a household income of RM1,500 per capita—a voucher worth RM3,000.
The voucher can be redeemed through SarawakPay (SPay Global) account.
A key concern raised during UKAS’s Penerangan dan Penjelasan Isu-isu Semasa ‘Inisiatif Pendidikan YAB Premier Sarawak, Lonjak Prestasi Pendidikan Sarawak Menjelang Tahun 2030’ session was that most aid schemes still exclude Form Six students.
One student voiced the concern directly to the panel.
In response, a representative from MEITD, who served as one of the panellists, acknowledged the gap and stated that while an immediate solution could not be provided, the matter would be referred to higher authorities for consideration.
GLC / Industry Partners
Across Sarawak, state-linked corporations are investing in people — offering scholarships and hands-on training to nurture homegrown talent for the industries of tomorrow.
Sarawak Energy Berhad
Sarawak Energy continues to open doors for aspiring Sarawakians with scholarships in engineering, accounting, finance, and environmental management.
As of 2025, the company has invested over RM102 million in education initiatives, awarding scholarships to more than 140 students each year.
Petros & Sarawak Petchem
To enhance the state’s technical talent pool, PETROS and Sarawak Petchem partner with Yayasan Sarawak to fund and promote engineering and technical education from undergraduate through postgraduate levels.
According to The Right Honourable, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak, Petchem will fund two Master’s degrees in chemical process engineering at prestigious universities in the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), or other internationally recognised institutions.
Other than that, Petros will offer two scholarships for petrochemical engineering.
These scholarships come with a service commitment, which means the recipients will begin their careers with the sponsoring companies, applying what they’ve learned in real-world roles.
Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS)
CENTEXS offers short-term courses and professional certifications in automation, welding, industrial systems, and manufacturing—disciplines that directly support Sarawak’s industrial and energy development.
These collaborations bridge education and industry, ensuring graduates are job-ready with relevant skills.
Non-Government Organisations and Youth Association
Alongside government and corporate programmes, NGOs and youth groups play a key role in supporting young Sarawakians’ personal and career development.
SABERKAS (Sarawak United National Youth Organisation)
SABERKAS regularly collaborates with MYSED to organise leadership and volunteerism programmes aimed at fostering confidence, teamwork, and civic responsibility among youth.
The Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC)
Through partnerships with local technology communities, SMA and SDEC facilitate training, coding bootcamps, and innovation initiatives to equip youth with competencies essential for the digital economy.
Collectively, these organisations form a comprehensive support ecosystem that enables individuals from all backgrounds and regions to upskill and prepare for employment.
Seizing Opportunities, Shaping the Future
The following approaches can help young Sarawakians optimise the support provided through state initiatives:
– Explore your interests, be it in STEM, the arts, agriculture, or entrepreneurship, and connect them to the state’s growth areas.
– Take initiative by applying early for funding opportunities such as the Yayasan Sarawak scholarships.
– Participate in CENTEXS or SDEC programmes to develop industry-relevant skills ahead of entering the workforce.
– Collaborate with NGOs and youth bodies to develop networks, experience, and essential soft skills.
– Seek internship or apprenticeship opportunities with government-linked companies to build real-world skills.
Every step you take builds not just your qualifications but the confidence and skills to succeed in Sarawak’s growing economy.
Conclusion
Sarawak’s path forward is clear: a future powered by sustainability, innovation, and technology by 2030.
The state’s push into renewable energy, digital innovation, agritech, and advanced manufacturing presents vast opportunities for young talent.
However, realising this vision depends on how effectively young Sarawakians prepare themselves to fill these roles. By tapping into the range of scholarships, training schemes, and grants provided by Yayasan Sarawak, MEITD, MYSED, GLCs, and NGOs, youth can position themselves at the forefront of the state’s economic transformation.
References:
- Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030
- Premier: Education, Talent Development Remain Pillars of Sarawak’s Growth
- RM343 Mil Allocated to Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development
- STEM Catalyst Programme 2024 Inspires Over 1000 Pupils to Innovate in Hydrogen and Digital Systems
- Empowering Sarawak’s Workforce
- Sarawak Special Financial Assistance (BKK)
- Sarawak Book Voucher Assistance
- Sarawak Free Laptop Assistance
- Yayasan Sarawak Scholarship and Financial Assistance Schemes
- Sarawak Energy Scholarship Programme
- Programmes and Grants
- Technical and Vocational Training Programmes
- Labour Force Survey, First Quarter 2025
- Digital Skills and Innovation Programmes