KAPIT: Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang has urged students to plan their courses strategically to enhance their employability and job prospects.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Project of Dream Realised (PRO-DR) Roadshow 9th Series for the Kapit district, today, Nyabong emphasised the importance of aligning educational choices with the state’s job market demands.
“Plan ahead of time what courses and fields you want to pursue, especially for our students in the 4th, 5th, and 6th years.
“We want to see local children, particularly from Kapit, become pillars in driving our state’s economy and not rely on external labour,” he said.
Nyabong highlighted a study by the Ministry of Higher Education, which revealed that more than 99.6 per cent of graduate employability rates are from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates.
This statistics underscores the significant demand for TVET graduates in Malaysia, particularly in Bintulu.
“Sarawak is fortunate to be rich in renewable natural resources,” Nyabong added.
“We have successfully created a new fuel using algae for airplanes and aim to become the main green hydrogen energy producer in the region. However, these ambitions require skilled local technical workers.”
The Sarawak government, through the Ministry of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, has targeted creating 500,000 skilled employment opportunities by 2030.
This goal reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that Sarawak’s youth secure future jobs.
The PRO-DR event, organised by Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS) through the TEGAS Community Innovative Learning (TCIL), serves as an education and career carnival roadshow.
The programme, supported by the Sarawak State Education Department, aims to help rural students achieve their career dreams through education, regardless of academic qualifications.
Over 25 educational and training institutions, government agencies, and financial aid providers are participating in this edition of the roadshow.
In addition to educational exhibitions and financial assistance, the event features talks, exhibitions, and interactive sessions to raise awareness about opportunities in digital innovation, particularly in TVET and STEM fields.
TEGAS Digital Village and TEGAS Digital Innovation Hub provide platforms to empower start-up entrepreneurs in Sarawak to compete globally.
Nyabong stressed the critical role of education in national progress, noting the significant government support now available compared to the past.
He highlighted various financial assistance options for students, including PTPTN, MARA, and Yayasan Sarawak.
The Sarawak government has also announced plans to provide free education at local higher education institutions (HEIs) by 2026 for Sarawakians.
Also present at the event were Rolyn Tereance Janting representing Kapit Resident, Kapit District Officer Cerisologo Sabut, and Fredick Kevin Buseli, senior manager of TEGAS Community Innovative Learning.
A total of 240 students from four secondary schools (SMK Balleh, SMK Kapit, SMK Kapit No. 2, and SMK Selirik) participated in the programme.
