Rejuvenating Education

As the state invests in youth, the adults too must consider their own continuous learning

The recent launch of the Fund for Tertiary Education for Sarawakians (FTES) is a commendable step forward. By prioritising financial support for students enrolled in Sarawak-owned universities, the state signals a strong intent to develop homegrown talent capable of driving local progress. This initiative strengthens Sarawak’s position in charting its own educational and developmental path, reducing reliance on external institutions and keeping local potential within the state.

Yet while we celebrate this investment in youth, we must also pause to consider a blind spot in our educational vision: the continuous learning needs of adults. In an age where the pace of technological and economic change is accelerating, lifelong learning can no longer be a luxury. It is a necessity. Skills like data literacy, artificial intelligence, and digital strategy are rapidly becoming essential, not just for fresh graduates but for seasoned professionals seeking to stay relevant in a competitive marketplace.

The reality for most working adults, however, is complex. Commitments to family, work, or business limit the feasibility of returning to school full-time. Few can afford to step away from their income-generating responsibilities for the sake of a three- or four-year degree. For many, the idea of “graduating” into a new job is beside the point. What they seek is learning that enhances their current role, fuels their enterprise, or simply sharpens their perspective, without uprooting their lives.

A look at the current landscape for adult education reveals both opportunities and limitations. On the formal side, industry associations offer training sessions that are practical but often surface-level. Business coaching and professional networks can be transformative but are costly and selective. Executive MBAs and other university programmes, while prestigious, are frequently out of reach due to both time and financial constraints.

On the informal end, online platforms like Coursera, edX, YouTube tutorials, MOOCs, and books offer self-paced learning but demand a high level of discipline and self-direction. While these options provide flexibility, they often lack the interactive, localised context that many learners need. In-person workshops or community-led adult education classes, which used to be more common, are harder to come by and less coordinated across the state.

There is, however, a larger and more strategic benefit to adult education: it is essential to the success of Sarawak’s long-term economic ambitions. Among the ten high-level strategic thrusts guiding the state’s economic transformation, education plays a central role. But unless the current and local workforce is consistently upskilled, many of these strategies will struggle to gain traction. Sarawak’s competitiveness can no longer rely on being the cheapest option. Instead, it must focus on being one of the most capable and future-ready.

It is important to remember that lifelong learning is not just about acquiring new knowledge. It is also about keeping our minds active and open. As we grow older and accumulate experience, there is a natural tendency to believe that we’ve “seen it all.” Yet this confidence, if left unchecked, can become a barrier to growth. Engaging with new ideas challenges that mindset and keeps our thinking agile and empathetic - qualities essential for leaders and community members alike.

Kuching’s status as an age-friendly city presents a unique opportunity to reimagine adult education as part of the civic infrastructure. Just as we build parks, walkways, and libraries, perhaps we need learning centres or mobile classrooms designed specifically for adults, with short, modular courses that fit into their lives rather than disrupt them.

Sarawak’s vision for education is expanding. Let us not leave behind those who have already entered the workforce. Investing in adult education is not about catching up; it’s about staying ahead. Thoughtfully crafted policies and community support for lifelong learning can ensure that Sarawak’s growth is not only youthful but wise.