LUNDU: The Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) will be included in the new admission system, UP_TVET, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Patinggi Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council, said Centexs as part of the national TVET mainstream institution should be integrated into the system to streamline the promotion of TVET.
“The National TVET Council oversees 1,345 TVET institutions nationwide, and our goal is to transform TVET into a game-changer that provides a new education ecosystem.
“This system is designed not to compete with, but to complement, the existing academic education system,” he said.
He said this when launching Centexs Commercial TVET HRD Corp Initiative and its eSports Training Hub and Certification Academy at Centexs Lundu here yesterday (Oct 5).
Earlier at the event, Ahmad Zahid also presented a grant of RM30 million to Centexs for the implementation of TVET development programmes.
The allocation under the Strategic Initiative Fund of the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) will be used to enhance the skills of the youth and the local workforce to meet the technical requirements of the state’s industries in sectors such as oil and gas, construction, hospitality, and green energy across Sarawak, including locations in Kuching, Lundu, Betong, Mukah, Dalat, and Lawas.
Ahmad Zahid also highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts among the 12 ministries responsible for managing TVET institutions.
“We need to move away from working in silos. Together, we are translating the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s political will into concrete actions.
“With an allocation of RM6.8 billion, we are focusing on streamlining and coordinating the efforts of these ministries to strengthen TVET in the country,” he added.
Meanwhile, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim reaffirmed the unity government’s commitment to ensuring high-quality skills training for the people of Sarawak.
“Our mission is to prepare Sarawak’s workforce for the challenges of the future, including the green economy, energy transition, aviation, aerospace, and more,” he added.
He also highlighted the significance of the new UP_TVET system, describing it as a one-stop centre for TVET applications.
“In the past, anyone wanting to apply for TVET would have to search through multiple websites of individual institutions, or even visit them in person.
“With this UP_TVET system, it simplifies the application process for all TVET institutions,” added Sim.