SIBU: Sarawak’s strategic focus on socioeconomic and physical infrastructure development is set to propel the state towards achieving high-income and advanced state status by 2030, according to Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis.
He highlighted that Sarawak’s abundant natural resources present valuable opportunities for the state government to build a robust economy.
“Considering the growth potential in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the Sarawak government has identified new economic sectors, including renewable energy interests within SMEs, such as solar farms, electric vehicles (EVs), batteries, hydrogen, biofuels, design and chip manufacturing, and Small/Micro Hydropower.
“Therefore, sharing sessions on studies conducted by appointed consultants provide crucial insights to develop these new economic sectors. These initiatives are expected to bolster Sarawak’s economy, generate state income, and create job opportunities for recent graduates.”
Harden was speaking at the Small and Medium Industry Skill Requirements For Sarawak programme here recently.
To foster the growth of renewable energy interest businesses within SMEs, Harden underscored the importance of implementing appropriate talent development strategies tailored to each sector’s specific requirements.
“Talent development is a continuous journey that demands investment in knowledge and time to shape individuals’ skills, abilities, and capacities, enabling them to excel in their work.”
Moreover, he highlighted the vital role played by the Sarawak government’s involvement in the study’s findings.
As the Deputy Minister responsible for talent development, his mission is to develop and manage workforce planning, bridging the gap between labour supply and job demand in the state, he stated.
The programme was also attended by ministry permanent secretary Azmi Bujang and his deputy Anielia Siam.
