Sarawak Intensifies TVET Training, Expands Collaboration With Strategic Industries

KUCHING, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak government is intensifying efforts to strengthen the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem in the state through a network of technical training centres, along with expanding collaboration with multiple strategic industries.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the efforts encompass the fields of energy, engineering, digital technology, food security and modern agriculture, in line with the state's aspirations to produce a highly-skilled and competitive workforce in the global market.

"At the same time, the government is also proud of the initiative shown by, among others, the Sarawak Skills technical training centre, in adopting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in its system of teaching and learning.

"This move is seen as being in tandem with the government's aspirations to produce a generation that is information technology (IT)-literate and capable of competing in today's advanced technology era,” he said at the 27th Sarawak Skills Convocation ceremony here today.

His text speech was read out by Sarawak Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. 

Abang Johari said that in a bid to narrow the gap in the economic ecosystem, Sarawak emphasises the need to change the economic structure by modernising and improving efficiency, along with increasing household income, while protecting the environment.

"The state government is also implementing policies towards environmental preservation by switching to zero-carbon green energy, and we are also very active in the development of green technology and alternative renewable energy sources, thus becoming a leader in the development of ecosystems and generation of green hydrogen in Malaysia,” he said. 

Abang Johari said Sarawak is also committed to developing the economy more sustainably based on green economy technology, with Sarawak Skills set to increase its "Green Economy” programmes to produce more skilled workers in that field.

As such, he said that students graduating today are not merely receiving their degree scrolls, but shouldering the trust of building the state's future.

During the event, Sarawak Skills and Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for information sharing through active participation on various platforms that will provide mutual benefits, such as seminars, conferences, workshops and community engagement programmes.

According to the MoU, Sarawak Skills and Perodua will also collaborate on workforce development, including the implementation of industrial training programmes. 

Meanwhile, Sarawak Skills Management Council vice-chairman Norazibah M Rabu, in her speech, said that 631 graduates received their Skills degrees and diplomas in various technical and vocational fields, marking a significant achievement in their journey under the TVET programme organised by Sarawak Skills.

-- BERNAMA