KUCHING: Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd (Sarawak Metro) has signed the 1st Tier Agreement for the Socio-Economic Enhancement Development (SEED) Programme, an initiative aimed at enhancing the procurement value of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project.
The agreement, signed on yesterday (Oct 18) between Sarawak Metro and the main contractor for System Package 1 of the KUTS Project, EMG JV Sdn Bhd, is towards developing a local supply chain and human capital in Sarawak through collaborations in areas of technology related to autonomous rapid transit (ART) and hydrogen applications.
Sarawak Metro in a media release said this is the first time a programme of this kind has been introduced for a major project in Sarawak, and as such, it takes pride in implementing this new initiative, which focuses on creating a pool of skilled experts among local Sarawakians to fulfil the workforce requirement for the modern transportation industry.
The signing was witnessed by the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Hussain who is also Sarawak Metro chairman.
Sarawak Metro’s chief executive officer Mazli Mustaffa signed on behalf of the company, while EMG JV was represented by its director Chan Chee Kian.
At the signing ceremony, Aziz congratulated the management of Sarawak Metro and EMG JV for establishing the strategic partnership that has the potential to sustain the local industry as well as maximise local content in adopting new technology, such as hydrogen technology that is used to power the ART vehicles.
“Hence, it is important for us now to be fast and agile, capitalise on this momentum, and take the opportunity to become the pioneers in this industry in the region,” he said during the event at Menara SEDC here.
Meanwhile, Mazli highlighted that the SEED Programme is no ordinary endeavour, as it requires mutual trust, commitment, and common goals to achieve the objectives that have been set.
He added that the setting up of a hydrogen vehicle assembly plant and the development of a local supply chain which aims to create avenues for local Sarawak industry players to participate in the assembly work of the ART and other scopes of work that could potentially be localised under the KUTS project, are among some of the initiatives under this programme.
“All the projects will benefit local SEED Programme recipients in terms of the creation of new businesses, job opportunities, the development of expertise, and opening up opportunities in the overseas market,” said Mazli.
As for Chan, he reiterated that EMG JV was also dedicated to facilitating knowledge transfer and fostering collaboration in technology enhancement with local institutions and government agencies.
He highlighted that the focus of the SEED Programme will also be on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) initiatives, and that EMG JV will be working closely with the Ministry of Education Innovation and Talent Development and the Sarawak Science Centre to nurture this among the local youths.
“We take our commitment to the SEED Programme with the utmost seriousness. We pledge to adhere to all necessary guidelines and the SEED Programme policy to ensure the successful execution of this initiative,” Chan said, adding that EMG JV has facilitated the attachment of eight staff and apprentices from Sarawak Metro under the Young Talent Programme (YTP) in Kuala Lumpur and Changsha, China.
Apart from creating local content and developing manpower readiness, the SEED Programme is also aimed at establishing a centre of excellence through collaborating with higher learning institutions.
Sarawak Metro, a wholly owned subsidiary of SEDC, has been entrusted to implement, operate, and maintain the KUTS Project, which aims to modernise the public transport sector and ease traffic congestion in Greater Kuching.
The KUTS Project will be developed in phases, and Phase 1 is for the development of three lines: the blue line, the red line, and the green line, covering a total distance of 70km.
Phase 1 of the KUTS Project is scheduled to begin operation in stages in the fourth quarter of 2025, and Phase 1 of the project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027.
