The Asia HRD Awards (Sarawak Foundation)

The Catalyst In Education Development Towards Quality Human Capital

A
BRIEF
INTRODUCTION

“The formation of Sarawak Foundation by the Chief Minister, Dato Haji Abdul Rahman
Ya’kub in a statement will be warmly welcomed by those in Sarawak who are seriously
concerned by the lack of opportunities for further education in this country, and the small
number of scholarships available for study elsewhere”.

The Sarawak Tribune, 10th May 1971

Sarawak Foundation was established on 27th May 1971. The

Sarawak State Government constituted it as a statutory body under the Sarawak
Foundation Ordinance. The main objective of the Foundation is to create greater
opportunities for Sarawak students in particular and other Malaysian students in
general in any field of study at all levels up to universities.

Student Exchange Programme in the 1970s

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In 1971, the late Chief Minister of Sarawak, Tun Datuk Patinggi Dr. Haji Abdul Rahman Ya’kub said
that the Foundation would provide scholarships and assistance where it considered appropriate.
The aim of the Foundation is also to promote healthy and harmonious growth of a truly Malaysian,
national consciousness, national unity and loyalty characterized by multiracial tolerance, goodwill,
and understanding among the Sarawak people.

The Foundation has created an exemplary organization in sharing the values to grow, fuelling the
dreams to learn and in fulfilling Sarawakians for quality education. It has contributed tremendously
to the development of education with communities, schools, the institution of higher learnings, skill
development centres and NGOs. The Foundation hopes to continue to accomplish more in the years
to come.

OBJECTIVES

Objectives of The Sarawak Foundation are as follows:

1. To grant scholarships or to provide financial assistance of any form for the peoples of
Sarawak, in particular, and to any Malaysian citizen, in general, to pursue their education in
schools, colleges, universities or institutions of higher learning within Malaysia or abroad
on such terms and conditions as the Board deems fit;

2. Actively to promote the improvement of opportunities for education for the peoples
of Sarawak in particular and Malaysia in general, both locally and in any institution of
higher learning throughout the world, but especially the Universities in Malaysia;

3. To grant, and arrange for the award by other bodies of, scholarships or other educational
assistance for the peoples of Sarawak or any Malaysian citizen whenever it deems fit to
do so;
4. To give assistance and provide relief, to any person whose circumstances are, in the
opinion of the Board, considered to be deserving of such assistance or relief;

5. To provide assistance, by way of loans, grants or otherwise, to organizations or
institutions which are organized and governed for scientific, medical, educational,
welfare, social or charitable purposes; and

6. To contribute and provide assistance for the relief of national emergencies or calamities.

The Foundation moves forward to achieve these objectives by implementing programmes and
activities over the years. The successful implementation of the programmes are being felt in and
spelled out in terms of widening social inclusion, enhancing community engagement and knowledge
dissemination.

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OUR SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY

Education is the key to success. The Foundation has been continuously striving since its inception for
developing human resources through financial support for education. The achievements, accolades
and recognitions conferred to the beneficiaries at local and international levels, bear testimony of
the Foundation’s success. Talent and intelligent should be equally inoculated with financial support.
Sarawak Foundation is always there for those who have the desire to become a pioneer in innovation.

The Foundation’s policy and directions are determined by its nine-member Board
of Trustees headed by The Right Honourable Chief Minister of Sarawak, while its
day-to-day operation is managed by the management team lead by the Director.

“If we are to formulate its policies and objectives relating to education,
the Sarawak Foundation is providing all facilities to get the highest
level of education to all of the races found in Sarawak in particular and
throughout Malaysia in general, regardless of origin, race and religion.”

The late Datuk Amar Haji Abang Yusuf Puteh
Chairman of Sarawak Foundation from 1985 to 1986

As a government agency, that plays
a vital role in the development
of education, the Foundation’s
education programmes and schemes
are in line with the development
needs of Sarawak and Malaysia in
general. Since its inception forty-
eight (48) years ago, the Foundation
has spent a total sum of about
RM1.3 billion to sponsor 1,712,490
students at all level of education.
Three (3) major educational
programme and schemes offered by
the Foundation are full scholarship
award, scholarship-loan award
and education programme and
assistances.

Community Education Programme at SMK Bario

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FULL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

Sarawak Foundation Tun Taib Scholarship
This scholarship is to provide sponsorship
for students to study courses related to STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics) subjects and for those doing
post graduate research in courses and fields
needed by the Sarawak State Government.

Sarawak Tunku Abdul Rahman Scholarship
Foundation (YBSTAR)
Under this nomenclature of scholarship,
students are being sponsored to pursue their
Master and PhD Programmes in public or
private institutions of higher learning in
Malaysia. The programmes are not limited to
any specific field of study.
Special Medical Programme Scholarship at UNIMAS
This scholarship is meant for providing sponsorship to students doing their Bachelor degree in Medicine at
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) only. Each year about 40 students are given such scholarship will in
order to help to increase the number of medical doctors in Sarawak.

Sarawak Foundation Local Scholarship
This scholarship is to provide monetary assistances to under privilege primary and secondary school students
to assist them in continuing their education and to improve their academic performances.

Tertiary/Technical Institution Enrolment Assistance
This scholarship is to provide funding during the early stages of students’ enrolment in either tertiary or
technical institutions locally. The Foundation is a major scholarship provider for students enrolled at the
Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak (CENTEX).

SCHOLARSHIP-LOAN AWARD

Education Scholarship Loan (Local) Overseas Education Loan

This loan is to provide Scholarship loans for This loan is to provide for partly assistance to finance
students pursuing their studies at the local the cost of the student studies in overseas. It provides
public and private institutions of higher global exposure to students to get international
learning. insights. The Sarawak Foundation is sponsoring locally
to develop human resources globally.
Technical Training Scholarship Loan
Sarawak Higher Education Scholarship Loan
This loan is to provide assistance for Sarawakians
interested in doing technical courses at any This loan is to provide assistance to students pursuing
Skills / Technical Training Institutions under full-time studies in Engineering and Quantity
the Sarawak Foundation panel. It helps the Surveying in selected IPTAs (Public Institution) /
respective beneficiary to acquire pragmatic IPTS (Private Institution) in Sarawak. The Foundation
skills to have a significant contribution to the supports for producing Engineers in the country.
Malaysian economy in the future.It makes
Sarawakians more skilful and professionally
sound in their respective fields.

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In true sense, the Foundation scripts its own history by reaching to the people, enriching their values,
enhancing their skills and igniting their learning spirits and over and above in building a self-driven,
self-sufficient, spirited talented pool for Sarawakians and Malaysians in general. The saga of values is
reflected under different captions.

“Sarawak can no longer rely heavily on economic strengths based on its natural
resources such as oil, timber and agricultural sectors as these sources would be depleted
someday.
The younger generation must change in order to compete and face challenges as the
world today needs those who are capable of mastering various knowledge and skills.”

His Excellency Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud
Governor of Sarawak and Chairman of Sarawak Foundation from 1986 to 1999

EDUCATION PROGRAMME AND ASSISTANCE

” Our younger generation should not look down at their own abilities. On the contrary,
they need to rise up and joining us to develop the nation. Nothing is impossible if we
strive hard.”

The late Pehin Sri Haji Adenan Satem
Chairman of Sarawak Foundation from 1999 to 2017

Strengthening Youth- The Avenue to Prosper
There are eight (8) types of programme and assistance being offered;

Student Exchange Programme
The scheme aims to foster national integration involving
the Peninsular states, Sarawak and Sabah. This sponsorship
scheme targets academically outstanding students for
admission into Form 1 and Form 4 classes as follows:

i. Selected premier schools and Kolej Permata Pintar
in Peninsular Malaysia.
ii. Selected premier schools in Sabah and Labuan.
iii. Students selected by Sabah Foundation for
admission into selected premier schools in Sarawak
The ethos to success is unity in diversity which is reflected in
the activities of the Foundation.

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Community Education Programme
This programme is designed to create awareness among
the public on the importance of education and assistance
provided for those in need. The target groups are primary
and secondary school students, and parents, school leavers,
youth and community leaders. Awareness of education is the
key ingredient in success.
School Uniform Assistance
This assistance has managed to overcome the financial
burden of parents in providing their children’s schooling
needs. Vouchers worth RM200.00 for each recipient was
distributed for the purchase of school uniforms, shoes and
school bags at registered outlets throughout Sarawak. The
Foundation efforts to foster Organizational Citizenship
Behaviour (OCB) in children through uniformity in their
dress pattern.
High Performing Rural Schools (HiPERS)
The programme components focus on the importance
of English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mathematics, Science and
History subjects in order to improve the overall performance
of selected rural schools involved. The Foundation rewards
the best to excel further.

Yayasan Sarawak - Asia Foundation 'Book for Asia'
Programme
This programme helps to inculcate reading habits among
schoolchildren by supplying reading materials to selected
primary and secondary schools. The target children are well
equipped with the necessary and relevant study materials to
carry on their educational journey.

Excellent Students’ Awards
These awards served as incentives to students who obtained
outstanding results in public examinations. Recognition and
award creates more enthusiasm for performers to do more
in future days to come.

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Sarawak Chief Minister’s Outstanding Award
This award recognizes exceptional performance among
schools, their leadership, teachers, students and staff of
the state education service for the contributions towards
education excellence in the state. Culture of team work and
collectivism is being fostered by the Foundation.
Sarawak Foundation and Education Department
Collaboration Programme
This programme is specially to assist the State Education
Department in implementing special programmes to further
enhance the quality of education.
CENTEXS Community Outreach Programme

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OUR EXPANDED ROLE

“The government, through Sarawak Foundation, has invested immensely in University
College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS), Curtin University Malaysia, Swinburne
University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak
(CENTEX) and other learning institutions to provide quality education to the younger
generation.”

The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Dr. Haji Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari
Tun Datuk Haji Abang Openg,

Chairman of Sarawak Foundation 2017 - Present

Developing sustainability is the key that
drives Sarawak Foundation towards achieving
excellence. The Foundation is the only state
statutory body in Malaysia that owns two (2)
foreign universities namely Curtin University
Malaysia and Swinburne University of
Technology Sarawak.

The Curtin University Malaysia Campus in Miri, Sarawak was set up in 1999. It became the first foreign
branch university campus in East Malaysia. Curtin’s main campus is in Perth, Australia. The Curtin University
is the largest international campus as well as one of the fastest growing foreign branch campuses in the world.

Currently, there are about
4,000 students enrolled in
this University from various
programmes. It is also among
the top-rated universities in
the country under the Rating
System for Malaysia Higher
Education or SETARA system
which is being handled by
the Malaysian Qualification
Agency (MQA). The MQA is
responsible for monitoring and
overseeing the quality assurance practices and accreditation of national higher education in Malaysia.

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In 2000 the Foundation was involved together with the State Government of Sarawak to bring in
another Australian university - Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne to set up its branch
campus in Kuching known as ‘Swinburne Sarawak Campus’. Since inception, Swinburne Sarawak
has been growing rapidly. Currently, its student strength is about 3,500. Swinburne Sarawak is rated
Tier 5: Excellent, the highest rating achieved by any university in the SETARA system’s rating for
2009, 2011, 2013 and 2017.

The setting up of these universities may have cost millions of ringgit, but to the Foundation it is a
very sound investment since the universities are providing a world-class qualification at a lower
fee than those in Australia. With ‘financial barriers’ often being cited as the most common factor
preventing students from studying overseas, it’s comforting to know that tuition fees in Curtin
Malaysia Campus Miri and Swinburne Sarawak are generally much lower than the prevailing prices
in campuses of their home country, Australia. Thus, both Universities in Sarawak have attracted
many students from local and from neighbouring countries to study in Malaysia. It also helps to
promote Sarawak as an educational hub and become a node for disseminating global knowledge
within the country and South East Asia region, which is another vital characteristic of world-class
institutions.

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Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak
The State Government, through Yayasan Sarawak,
has established the Centre of Technical Excellence
Sarawak (CENTEXS) in October 2014 to train and
upskill young generation to meet the technical
needs and requirements of the State industries
focus on the trade of oil and gas, construction,
manufacturing and mechatronics, and guarantee a
career upon completion of their training.

CENTEXS has trained 2173 youths throughout the
State. With the support of State government and
the Foundation, there will be four (4) CENTEXS
campus including Kuching and Lundu and
upcoming establishment in Dalat and Lawas to
produce more skilled workers for the industries in
the State.

Leadership Institute of Sarawak Civil Service
The Leadership Institute of the Sarawak Civil
Service which was first known as State Public
Service Training Center was formed in 1975 to
coordinate human resource development activities
with the emphasis on the provision of training and
continued education for the Sarawak Civil Service
(SCS).

Having trained more than 150,000 state public
officers in various competency areas, Leadership
Institute of Sarawak Civil Service is also providing
a platform for aspiring officers to enhance their
career development through certificates and
master-level programmes with reputable local and
international learning institutions. Indeed, some of
these officers have now assumed senior positions in
the SCS, and are actively contributing to the State
Transformation agenda.

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Sarawak Centre of Performance Excellence
The Sarawak Centre of Performance Excellence
(SCOPE) is a private entity which was incorporated
in 2016. The main objective of SCOPE is to provide
developmental programmes to the private sectors,
government link corporations and small medium
enterprises. SCOPE’s corporate strategy which
adopting an iterative value process by using a design
thinking approach to create an excellent customer
service in order to achieve excellent corporate
values and goals.

The Foundation is also engaging the public through various outreach programmes it had organized all
over the state that is specific to education. These outreach programmes are as follows:
i. Community events that are held in local venues
ii. Awareness, skill-building, and/or behaviour-changing lesson plans, activities and/or classroom
supplements
iii. Volunteer opportunities
iv. Student or Community based
v. Non-profit partnership and public relations.

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Reaching People, Enriching Community
The Foundation is joining the bandwagon by
reaching out to students, parents and public alike as
a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
programmes and communicating directly to the
communities. Its outreach programme works with
people in the surrounding community all over the
state of Sarawak, giving them the opportunity to
improve their current situation through various
education programme and assistances. Every new
programme is carefully considered and tailor-made
as per needs of the community. There are many
success stories about these outreach programmes.

Enhancing Quality of Life
The Foundation organized its Community
Education Programme to promote learning and
social development work with individuals and
groups in their communities using a range of formal
and informal methods. Most of the programmes
and activities are being planned and developed
following initial dialogue with communities and
participants. This is a common defining feature of its
Community Education Programme. The purpose is
to develop the capacity of individuals and groups of
all ages through their actions and to improve their
quality of life within the local communities, rather
than within educational institutions such as schools, colleges and universities. Since last five years, the
Foundation has spent RM1.7 million to organize these programmes which benefitted around 122,000
participants all over the state.

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Enabling Unity through School
Uniform
School uniforms are an important
part of many schools’ daily routine.
However, the cost of school
uniforms can be often burdensome
for low-income families already
struggling to make ends meet. The
state government has increased
its allocation for School Uniform
Assistance Programme through the
Foundation as the implementing
agency from RM2.0 million to
RM4.0 million per annum. Every
year, about 20,000 students get the
benefit from this programme and
each student receives RM200 worth
of school uniform voucher. Specially
designed vouchers are being given
to students for them to purchase
their school uniforms at the selected
outlet all over the state.
The School Uniform Assistance Programme undertakes the Blue Ocean Strategy’s approach. This
programme resorts collaborative efforts among Resident’s and District offices, Bank Simpanan Nasional,
the State Development Office, the Sarawak State Education Department as well as the State Assemblymen
of the district or division. The selection of the beneficiaries is made through the e-Kasih database
under the purview of both Resident and District Offices. This is preceded with stringent background
study by the Sarawak State Education Department and other related agencies through the focus group
discussion. The State Assemblymen may choose to hold a proper function to give away the vouchers or
they may decide to distribute without any ceremonial function. The officers of the Foundation provide
their supportive hands for smooth implementation of the programme.

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Delivering Computer by Boat International Network
The Foundation strives to expand
14 its network by collaborating with
international nonprofit organization
committed to improving lives across a
dynamic and developing Asia. The Asia
Foundation entrusted the Foundation to
work together in achieving its objectives.
The Book for Asia programme has
benefited 1142 schools and public
libraries across the state and the
Foundation has spent RM1.2 million for
the last three years for this programme.

Efforts to Develop IT Skills
Another plus factor for the Foundation
is the Yayasan Sarawak-Computer
Assistance Programme for Schools
(YS-CAPS) initiative. It is a private
sector-public sector partnership in
providing used computers donated by
private sectors to facilitate expertise for
education technology and computing
needs to schools throughout the state.
The initiative was started with a pioneer
project of donating twenty (20) sets of
used computers from by Swinburne
Sarawak University of Technology to
SMK Sematan, Lundu in 2017. So far
about four hundred (400) set of used
computers from various donours have
been donated under YS-CAPS initiative
to thirty (30) schools.

OUR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS

The Foundation provides financial assistance for the development of critical technical skills as well
as soft skills of students. It is always ready to inspire, prepare and support the local community
through its various education programmes and assistance. Together with the Sarawak State
Government, the Foundation provide financial assistance under different programmes for the
period 2013-2018 to the beneficiaries as follows:

The Extent of Financial Assistance under different schemes

Table 1: Sarawak Foundation’s Expenditures for the Period 2013-2018
Our students’ loan disbursement under Education Scholarship Loan (Local), Overseas Education
Loan and Sarawak Higher Education Scholarship Loan during the last five (5) years
i.e. from 2013 until today were RM73.8 million. It has benefited 9,632 students.
For the students’ loan disbursement under Technical Training Scholarship Loan and Technical
Institution Enrolment Assistance for the period 2013 until today, the Foundation has spent a
sum of RM23.8 million and had sponsored 7,356 students and institutions.

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Sarawak Foundation Local Scholarship
For the disbursement under its Local Scholarship,
the Foundation has spent RM7.3 million and had
sponsored 20,221 needy students at both primary and
secondary schools during the last five (5) years.

Sarawak Foundation Excellent Students’ Awards
The Foundation also recognised students who excelled
in their public examinations both at primary and
secondary levels by providing RM7.4 million as cash
incentives to 17, 756 students for the previously
mentioned period.

Sarawak Foundation Students’ Exchange Programme
As for its Students’ Exchange Programme during the last
five (5) years, the Foundation has spent RM1.4 million
and had sponsored 338 students studying at selected
fully residential schools in Peninsular Malaysia and
Sarawak.

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Our Emiment
Beneficiaries

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Sarawak Foundation is proud of the
Beneficiaries
The splendid achievement of our beneficiaries
needs a special mention in claiming for this
prestigious award. These beneficiaries have
scripted pinnacle of glory for Sarawak in
particular and Malaysia as a whole. They have
excelled in different fields like Medicine, Science,
Information Technology and also in leading the
country for a better tomorrow.

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Coverage of Beneficiaries under Different Schemes
Sarawak Foundation benefited many human resources. All have been given in tabular forms
below. The contents of different tables are self-explanatory in nature. This data is from the year
2013 to 2018 covering our achievement for the specified period.
Figure 1: Education Assistance Disbursement: Tun Taib Scholarship, Tunku Abdul Rahman
Scholarship & Sarawak Foundation Scholarship-Loan 2013 - 2018

Figure 2: Sarawak Foundation Local Scholarship Award 2013 - 2018

Source: Compiled from Sarawak Foundation Audited Annual Financial Report

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Figure 3: Sarawak Foundation Students’ Exchange Programme 2013 - 2018
Source: Compiled from Sarawak Foundation Audited Annual Financial Report

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CONCLUSION

The Foundation is committed to developing human resources in the field of education,
community development, skill enhancement and professional enrichment. Financial support in
different forms under various schemes for Sarawakians in particular and Malaysians in general
for which the Foundation is striving for, since its inception. Its contribution is acknowledged,
appreciated and awarded for uplifting the standard of education in Sarawak.
Since 1971, the Foundation has been committed to supporting education from primary school to
different professional levels. Its effort is to take no stones unturned to provide financial support
so that financial difficulties should not be any constraint for educational development. Let the
human resources shine in all their educational pursuits. Their success is for the betterment of the
State and the country.
Nominating the Foundation for this award shall inspire not only our beneficiaries to do better
in their career but also as an organization our team members who are always continuing their
efforts with commitment to be proud and honoured through this prestigious award. It shall be a
showcase of our achievements.

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