KUCHING: There is an urgent need to equip the workforce with relevant knowledge and skills to meet current as well as the future needs of various sectors of industry.
In stating this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this is because by 2030, Sarawak will be a thriving society driven by data and innovation.
“By that time, everyone will enjoy economic prosperity, social inclusivity and a sustainable environment,” he said.
He added that state government has placed considerable emphasis on the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education to produce much needed talent to support the state’s development initiatives.
“The digital economy has created an entirely new dimension of development and growth for Sarawak, including new jobs for young people in urban centres and rural ideas.
“This has gone a long way towards transforming the way we live and do business,” he said.
He said this in his speech, which was delivered by Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Holis during the third TVET Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (Bimp-Eaga) at Pullman Hotel here on Wednesday (March 8).
Abang Johari stated that with lessons learnt from Covid-19 pandemic, the launch of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) with an emphasis on digitalisation and automation, has propelled Sarawak to an exciting voyage towards 2030.
“The PCDS 2030 is anchored on six economic sectors as the main engines of growth, namely manufacturing, commercial agriculture, tourism, forestry, mining and social services.
“The six economic sectors are supported by seven enablers which is digital transformation, innovation, basic infrastructure, transport, utilities, renewable energy, and education and talent development,” he added.
On the conference itself, he said the programme is a great initiative as it serves as a platform to discuss necessary evolution of TVET.
“This is amidst the blistering pace of technological innovations and massive transformation such as the multi-generational workforce and the importance of collaborative intelligence.
“I am sure this is something all of us, from the broad spectrum of government, industry and academia can relate to,” he added.
Also present during the conference was chairman of Sarawak Skills Development Centre Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Abdul Aziz Datuk Husain.
