SIBU: Youth must up their game and get ready to seize opportunities that will arise with the new economy the state government is presently exploring.
Yayasan Sarawak Director, Mersal Abang Rosli said the state government has been able to attract a lot of investment because it has successfully explored new economies that are capable of increasing Sarawak’s economy and revenue.
“As we all know, the Sarawak government has been exploring green technology, algae, hydrogen and so on which is being worked on by the Premier.
“Therefore, the youth must be agile to seize existing opportunities so that they are qualified to handle the job opportunities provided later,” he said at the opening of the Career and Education Day cum Open Day of the Sibu District Education Office held at the Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud Chancellor’s Hall, University Technology of Sarawak (UTS), Saturday (Sept 9).
Mersal said this in a speech delivered by Deputy Director (Education) Louis Simon Peter.
He said in the effort towards becoming a developed state by 2030, the state government must improve and provide sufficient manpower to develop the state.
He said every year around 36,000 students sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)in Sarawak and including students for the Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM), the total number is around 40,000.
However, he said, statistics show that the number of Sarawakians enrolled in 20 local universities in the nation through the Unit Pusat Universiti (UPU) is about 10,000 to 11,000 per year.
“As a result, a large number of Sarawakians are unable to continue their studies. Some continue their studies in vocational courses at various technical institutions in Malaysia, but there are also students who are unable to continue their studies,” he said.
Therefore, he said, the state government has established several higher education institutions of its own that provide high quality education to Sarawak students who wish to further their studies.
“The state government has established five universities and a college that provide high quality education and these institutions are under the care of Yayasan Sarawak.
“These institutions are Swinburne University in Kuching, Curtin University in Miri, UTS in Sibu, I-Cats University College in Kuching, and Laila Taib College in Sibu.
“These institutions offer various courses at the Foundation, Diploma and Degree levels. These institutions exist solely to help them further their studies,” he said.
Therefore, he said, Yayasan Sarawak feels fortunate for the trust and mandate that has been given by the state government to act as the main facilitator for the purpose of delivering aid to education services in the state.
He said Yayasan Sarawak wants to ensure that all community groups, regardless of race, belief or circumstances, reach their full potential.
“Therefore, make the most of this opportunity, so that after finishing school, all students will be able to make the right choice and build their own careers,” Mersai added.
Sibu District Education Officer, Ahli Chikba who also spoke said the event provides students exposure to opportunities to further their studies.
“Our government always provides a lot of financial assistance such as scholarships for deserving and outstanding students.
“Hence, I call on all students to cultivate a more diligent and persistent attitude for an excellent future,” Ahli added.
