BINTULU: The newly constructed RM122 million Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) Bintulu campus is set to commence operations in March next year.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg sees it as a crucial hub to provide quality education, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), fostering a new generation of talent here.
“It is imperative to foster expertise in STEM subjects such as astronomy, physics, and chemistry to aid in the development of the state’s human capital and support future economic growth,” he said.
He was speaking at the handover and launching ceremony of MRSM Bintulu campus here Wednesday (Nov 1).
Abang Johari also cited Petroliam Nasional Bhd’s (Petronas) role in successfully developing algae-based sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Bintulu as a testament to having command over science subjects.
“We need these kinds of expertise that can produce environmentally friendly products, which is also a contribution to mankind.
“This is where MRSM Bintulu campus plays a vital role in nurturing human talent for economic development,” he said.
He added, over the years, MRSMs in Kuching, Mukah and Betong have produced successful individuals in various fields, with graduates pursuing higher education locally and internationally, including renowned institutions like Imperial College London.
“MRSM aims to cultivate talents, particularly in the Bintulu area, focusing on STEM fields to contribute to the development of a skilled workforce in emerging sectors.”
However, he stressed that apart from skilled talents, having workforce trained in accordance with the evolving economy to foster a match between training programmes and industry demands is equally important.
“Fortunately, after establishing Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros), the Methanol Project and Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), we have drawn many skilled individuals from Sarawak to return to the state to contribute back to the local economy.
“Recently, we have also seen success in training individuals specialising in fund management, aligning with the establishment of the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund.
“This means that we have to train our workforce to be on par with the fluctuating trends in our economy so that their skills align with the demands of the era,” he explained.
Drawing inspiration from success stories such as Jack Ma, co-founder of Alibaba Group, Abang Johari also urged a broader outlook, using talent migration to drive innovation.
“We must be far sighted to drive the future economy,” he added.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; State Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang; Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Stephen Rundi; Women, Early Childhood, and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah; Petronas chairman Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh; Yayasan Sarawak director Mersal Abang Rosli; and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) director Azhar Abdul Manaf.
