While the hot Sarawak News and spotlight recently has been on the Sarawak Government’s game-changing initiative to provide free tertiary education for locals, let’s not be blinded by just the “free” part. The real story lies in how Sarawak Malaysia is quietly but confidently positioning itself as an education powerhouse in Borneo. For both local families and global citizens exploring the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, Sarawak’s education transformation offers promising signals—not only for your child’s future, but for long-term Malaysia investment decisions too.
Once known primarily for its culture, biodiversity, and natural resources, Sarawak Borneo is now a serious contender in Southeast Asia’s higher education landscape, with growing relevance to both Sarawak and Sabah’s regional development goals.
Two World-Class Australian University Branch Campuses in Sarawak Malaysia
Let’s begin with something few may realise—Sarawak is home to not one, but two internationally recognised Australian university branch campuses. That’s a bold statement for a region often underestimated in global education discussions.
- Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak (Kuching)
As the international branch of Melbourne’s Swinburne University, this campus has offered Australian-standard degrees since 2000 in Engineering, Business, IT, and Design. Students benefit from a world-class curriculum, award-winning lecturers, and industry partnerships—at just a fraction of the cost of studying in Australia. No wonder it’s home to students from more than multiple nations.
- Curtin University Malaysia (Miri)
Curtin University’s largest international campus outside of Australia, Curtin Malaysia is renowned for its excellence in Engineering, Business, and Media. With strong research output and real-world industry ties—particularly in resource and energy sectors—it’s a perfect fit for students who want relevant, future-ready degrees that open global doors.
These aren’t just marketing outposts. They’re fully integrated campuses that contribute directly to Sarawak Malaysia’s economy, workforce, and global standing.
Free Tuition—But With a Smart STEM Strategy
From 2026, all Sarawakian students enrolling in public higher education institutions will enjoy full tuition fee waivers. But here’s the twist: this isn’t just about cost-saving. It’s a strategic move to drive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) enrolment—fields essential for building the future digital economy of Sarawak and SabahInvestment and Business….
According to Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Sarawak’s Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, more than 80% of courses offered in state-owned institutions are STEM-related. This supports Sarawak’s goal to develop a highly employable, future-ready generationInvestment and Business….
Quality Tertiary Education for Locals and Expats
Affordability aside, what’s even more impressive is the rapid improvement in educational quality. Thanks to the state’s Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, Sarawak is focusing heavily on:
- Digital transformation and e-learning integration
- Research and innovation in hydrogen energy, medical science, and AI
- TVET development for engineering, smart farming, and green tech industries
Private institutions, too, are stepping up. Research shows that universities in Sarawak are adopting computer-based and internet-based learning models to better support students—especially post-pandemicInvestment and Business…. Despite challenges like bandwidth and access in rural areas, the overall trend shows encouraging growth in e-learning readiness and digital resilience.
MM2H Families: Here's Why Sarawak is a Smart Education & Investment Choice
If you’re an international family applying for MM2H or looking to invest in Malaysia, Sarawak checks all the boxes:
✅ English-medium instruction across most international and private institutions
✅ Safe, peaceful, family-friendly environment
✅ Affordable cost of living and tuition fees
✅ Welcoming, multicultural society
✅ World-class healthcare, clean air, and natural surroundings
✅ Direct access via international airports in Kuching and Miri
With two globally ranked universities, a focus on innovation, and increasing government support, there’s no need to send your kids to Australia or Singapore. Sarawak has the quality and the warmth that global families love.
More Than Universities: A Complete Education Ecosystem
Sarawak’s educational development doesn’t stop at university gates. The state is building a holistic learning ecosystem, including:
- International schools with UK, Australian, and Singaporean curricula
- TVET and skills training centres aligned with local industry needs
- STEM outreach for rural kids, like the Raspberry Pi 2025 initiative that aims to reach 6,000 schoolchildren with hands-on technology experiencesInvestment and Business…
- Digital academies and innovation hubs like CENTEXS, pushing digital skills for lifelong learning
Sarawak Malaysia is also targeting 40% science stream enrolment and 100% access to internet and healthcare for children by 2030Investment and Business…. That’s not just infrastructure—it’s long-term human capital investment.
A Proud Message to Local Sarawakians
To every young Sarawakian: you no longer have to “cari makan” elsewhere. World-class education is now right here at your doorstep, and it’s only getting better. The future is no longer something to chase outside—it’s something to build inside, at home.
And to Sarawakian parents—rest assured, you no longer need to break the bank to send your child to a respected university overseas. They can become a researcher, engineer, entrepreneur, or creative right here in Sarawak Borneo—and still stand on the global stage.
Final Thoughts: Sarawak and Sabah—A Shared Future Through Education
As Sarawak and Sabah forge ahead in regional development, higher education is emerging as the great equaliser and accelerator. For Malaysia Invest efforts to truly bear fruit, Sarawak must continue nurturing its brightest minds—and it is.
Whether you’re a global parent, an MM2H applicant, or a local Sarawakian dreaming of a better future—invest in education, and you’re investing in something far more valuable than buildings or businesses. You’re investing in potential. You’re investing in Sarawak.
After all, in Sarawak, we don’t just prepare students for exams—we prepare them for the world.
