Kuching: Sarawak is set to offer scholarships to Cambodian high school and university students, while also exploring the possibility of establishing a direct flight route between Phnom Penh and Kuching.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Cambodian Senior Minister in Charge of Special Missions, Oknha Datuk Dr Othsman Hassan, expressed their interest in sending students to Sarawak for education in fields such as engineering, accounting, and law. Currently, Cambodian students benefiting from scholarships are placed in Kuala Lumpur, with none studying in Sarawak. Dr. Othsman Hassan hopes that the Sarawak Premier, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, will support this new initiative, although the exact number of students has yet to be finalized. This was discussed during a courtesy call on the Sarawak Premier at Kompleks Satria Pertiwi.

In August, Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), announced the allocation of RM4.5 million in zakat funds by the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) to fully sponsor 100 Cambodian students across three educational institutions in Malaysia.

Additionally, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department, disclosed plans for the International Islamic School in Sarawak, expected to be completed in 2027. This school will accommodate students from Regional Islamic Dakwah Council of Southeast Asia and the Pacific (RISEAP) member countries, including Cambodia. High school students from Phnom Penh will be among those invited to study at this institution, aligning with Sarawak’s broader educational goals.

Dr. Othsman also discussed with the Sarawak Premier the potential of including Phnom Penh as a destination for AirBorneo, Sarawak’s first airline company, previously known as MASwings, once it begins operations.