KUCHING: The Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development will focus on identifying and developing talents needed for Sarawak’s industries.
Its minister Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn explained that while the ministry would still focus on education, similar to its predecessor (Education, Science and Technological Research Ministry), it would also develop talents in line with the vision of Sarawak becoming a high-income developed state by 2030.
Sagah pointed out the kind of talents to be sought include the ability to create things that are better or to make lives of people easier.
“That is the talent we are looking for. So, these are mostly industrial talents and some of it involved the digital talents,” he said at the ‘Ngadah Pinuuh Bijanang’ (Honouring a great leader) appreciation dinner organised by Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) in honour of its outgoing advisor Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong on Saturday (Feb 25).
Sagah, who takes over as DBNA advisor from Manyin, said the Bidayuh do not lack talents and he hoped that the youths are able to develop skills needed to meet the state’s requirements.
He added that he looked forward to working with other Bidayuh elected representatives to enhance what Manyin had done and contributed to the community.
Sagah has been active in DBNA and has held the post of vice president and assistant secretary general.
He hoped he could be a good advisor to the association and he pledged to work with the other leaders in the decision making process.
“I believe I am not alone in this, I will still bring our other leaders to confer with me and to make decisions as we go along. Of course not forgetting our elders,” he said.
Meanwhile, Manyin said it is fitting for Sagah to take over as DBNA advisor as he has the energy, knowledge and experience to lead the Bidayuh community, as well as being receptive to new ideas.
Manyin thanked members of the Bidayuh community for their support during his years in active politics from 1996 to 2021 and his tenure as DBNA advisor from 2005 to 2022.
He also appealed to the Bidayuh community to let DBNA be the only non-governmental organisation representing them at the state level and national level.
“And let DBNA be an apolitical organisation,” he added.
DBNA president Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik who spoke earlier said the dinner was held to honour and render thanks and appreciation to Manyin for his contributions to the Bidayuh community as well as the state and nation.
Also present were Assistant Ministers of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil and Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, Assistant Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Martin Ben, as well as Bidayuh assemblymen Miro Simuh (Serembu), John Ilus (Bukit Semuja) and Dr Simon Sinang Bada (Tebedu).
