KUCHING: Youths in the state are urged to focus on the science and technology fields.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg mentioned that when the youths are able to master the two fields they could help the state government to transform the state’s natural resources into high quality products.
“We have an abundance of natural resources, from the sun and water which can be transformed into energy-type products. And I believe our local talents (youths) can do it,” he said during the 8th Sarawak Career Fair and Training (Scat) Fair 2019 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), today.
He said apart from being skillful, the youths too must be creative in their imagination to create something new from the natural resources.
“We have natural gas and that is why Sarawak is focusing to convert it to methanol.
“And a China-based company LONGi is known for producing solar panels where silicon is used in the process and Sarawak has silica sand which can be converted into silicon that can be used to produce these solar panels,” he said.
Hence, Abang Johari said these are the types of industry that the government wants more youths to tap into.
“I want to make Sarawak the most developed state in Malaysia by 2030. We also want Sarawak to be an economic powerhouse and to achieve that I need the talents from Sarawak,” he said.
Meanwhile, he urged the children of Sarawak especially SPM school leavers to choose the right course, not necessarily in science and technology but to make sure that they choose courses required in the future.
“Remember that to acquire knowledge you must read and read a lot. Just like us leaders. We read every day or else we will be left behind including our policies.
“The children of today are very lucky. You have all the facilities. Knowledge is everywhere. All you have to do is to just “google” everything unlike the olden days,” he said.
He added that as the two economic powers of the world today are United States and China it is important for the youth to master English and Mandarin.
“You must also learn how to balance your life. There are so many junctions, take the ones that will enrich you, to enable you to have a fair living and from there continue to develop yourself and contribute to the country,” he pointed out.
Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh who is also Scat Fair co-chairman said the three-day fair (Mar 15 to Mar 17) themed “Knowledge Inspires Creativity” attracted 133 exhibitors and offers 2,605 job opportunities including institutions providing fund for further education.
“Aside from career talks in the field of STEM and TVET, there are also programmes such as Drobotex Challenge and Young Makers Champion for school children to participate in,” he said.
He added that last year the fair attracted 18,000 visitors and this year the number is expected to increase to 20,000.
