Sagah signs the plague while (from right) Harden, Szu and Chong look on. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

KUCHING (Jan 18): Local universities in Malaysia are always welcome to be part of the Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Ministry (MEITD) so that access to higher education can be enjoyed equitably and meet the demand for high-quality tertiary education.

MEITD Minister Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn said all know that education is important because it helps them acquire the knowledge, skills and values that are necessary for personal and societal development.

“We believe education is the foundation for building a better future for individuals, communities and nations.

“By working together with local universities, the ministry can achieve great things to create opportunities and a brighter future for everyone,” he said at the launch of INTI International University & College counselling centre at Gala City Jalan Tun Jugah here.

He pointed out that nowadays, obtaining tertiary education is essential and significant to development and growth because it equips students with skills and knowledge that are relevant to the job market.

He said pursuing higher education may help individuals to have a clearer perspective, a wide variety of job options, earn high income, better quality of life and be able to face the global economic turmoil.

Sagah lauded INTI International University & Colleges for establishing its counselling centre here.

“I believe that the establishment of the INTI education counselling centre in Sarawak will help the local students in determining their educational pathways to the next level.”

He believes the good education infrastructure that INTI has and the innovation brought into the INTI education system play important roles in producing competitive, innovative, creative and skilful students.

“This is in line with MEITD’s vision which is to have the competitive talent to drive the state’s aspiration where Sarawak aims to develop a skilled and capable workforce that is able to compete effectively in the challenging global economy and contribute to the state’s development goals.

“Providing good quality education, improving training programmes, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship and supporting the professional development of individuals in the state are among the initiatives to achieve the goals.

“By having all these, Sarawak hopes to increase professional expertise, efficiency and productivity to drive public and private sector development to support economic growth as well as to create many job opportunities for people in Sarawak and assist the achievement of other inspirations such as social and cultural development,” he said.

The INTI Education Counselling Centre Sarawak is a one-stop centre for parents and prospective students seeking guidance on higher education opportunities.

It also acts as a regional hub for parents and students from Sarawak to obtain comprehensive details on registration for studies at INTI’s campuses across Malaysia, application for accommodation and available scholarships or financial aid.

The centre makes it convenient for parents and students to gain access to important information without having to travel to INTI’s campuses in Malaysia.

Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development II (Talent Development) Datuk Francis Harden Hollis and INTI chief executive officer Chong Kok Wai, head of INTI regional office Szu Jean Che were also present.