KUCHING: Sarawak is focusing on industrialising the economy by enhancing value across all sectors through the development of its human capital as key growth drivers.
According to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the state’s industrialisation plans will come to nothing if it does not have the workforce with the right knowledge and skills.
Therefore, he added, Sarawakians must be ready to grab all the opportunities arising from both the development agenda by the government and more investment coming into the state.
“These industries demand workers who are highly skilled and technically competent. We do not want these opportunities to be filled by foreign workers. Instead, these opportunities should be taken up by our local workforce,” he stressed.
He said this in a speech read by Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah at the closing of Worldskills Malaysia Sarawak 2023 at the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) here Monday (Dec 11).
Pointing out that it is estimated that more than one million new jobs will be created by 2030, he noted that there is a need to substantially increase Sarawak’s training capacity.
As such, he said, the state will require a three-fold increase in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) enrolment in order to meet the state’s and the nation’s needs.
“Through the initiatives done by the ministry, the Sarawak government is establishing more technical training centres.
“At the same time, we are fine-tuning the quality of existing programmes and courses to suit the requirements of industries in various fields.”
Abang Johari acknowledged that TVET was generally perceived to be the second most attractive career pathway compared to conventional university education.
“That is why, while we increase our training capacity, we are taking the necessary measures to attract our boys and girls to undertake TVET courses.
“TVET programmes are shunned not only by the students but also their parents and the society in general. A mental revolution is needed and greater opportunities await,” he said.
