KUCHING – Yayasan Sarawak has allocated RM2.5 million this year to the English Enhancement Program (EEP) to assist students in improving their English language skills and transition into university life, according to Principal Assistant Director, Scholarship, Programs and Assistance Division of Yayasan Sarawak Mr Zamahari Bin Haji Saidi.
He said this at the EEP Certificate Award Ceremony held at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus (Swinburne Sarawak) for the graduation of their recent batch of EEP students on 26 May.
With 38 students receiving their certificates, this marks the second batch of EEP students graduating from the program.
Swinburne Sarawak’s EEP is specially designed to ensure students not only enhance their English language skills but also make a smooth transition into university life. Sponsored by Yayasan Sarawak, the four-week program offers a one-off relocation allowance of RM300 and free on-campus accommodation for students from outside Kuching, all at no cost to the student.
During the program, students get the opportunity to sharpen their English communication, writing and reading skills in an immersive learning environment, in addition to attending motivational sessions and various activities which help to strengthen their social skills and adjust to university life.
“As we progress towards becoming a developed state by 2030, we must improve and provide enough manpower to develop our state.
“We don’t want our younger generation to be denied entry into the labor force because of low pay, insecurity, and fewer benefits or opportunities for advancement. We want our youth to be able to get jobs with good security and real prospects after finishing their studies and receiving a degree or diploma,” said Mr Zamahari.
According to Mr Zamahari, students are encouraged to pursue their education at the five Yayasan Sarawak-established universities and colleges, which includes Swinburne Sarawak, as an option beyond IPTA.
For eligible students, their tuition fees will be taken care of by Yayasan Sarawak through sponsorship or educational loan for the duration of their studies.
Swinburne Sarawak’s Executive Dean (Research) Professor Ida Fatimawati echoed Mr Zamahari’s sentiments. She commented, “Through the BP40 bursary scheme introduced by Yayasan Sarawak, students receiving the bursary pay similar tuition fees at Swinburne Sarawak as those imposed by public universities. With Yayasan Sarawak’s support, we are committed to making world-class tertiary education accessible to the local community. Financial means should not be a roadblock towards gaining an education.”
Mathew Telajan, the emcee for the certificate award ceremony, is an EEP graduate who completed the program in August 2022. Mathew, who is currently a student in Swinburne Sarawak’s Foundation in Information Technology program said, “I recommend students interested to join Swinburne Sarawak to take part in EEP, to get to know the lecturers and make friends in university. The program is free, and a good introduction to university life.”
He added, “This is the first time I emceed at an event in English. EEP gave me the opportunity to practice English as a main speaking language, and this has given me the confidence to take the step in trying something new today.”
The next intake for Swinburne Sarawak’s EEP is in June 2023. Students who have completed their SPM, STPM or equivalent qualification and are seeking to embark on their university journey should take the opportunity to enrol in this fully sponsored program. To find out more about the EEP, contact Mr Faizin at +6013-811 2509 or Ms Linda at +6019-864 2941. Alternatively, enquiries can be emailed to study@swinburne.edu.my.
For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit its website (www.swinburne.edu.my), Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram (@swinburnesarawak), Twitter page (@Swinburne_Swk) or YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak).