SIBU: The two-day Sibu edition of Sarawak Career and Training (SCaT) Fair 2024 has welcomed more than 7,970 visitors – a true reflection of the organising team’s hard work and dedication.
While congratulating the organisers, Meradong assemblyman Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing acknowledged that the event is not only an exhibition but also a platform that fosters awareness about the importance of education and career planning for Sarawak’s youth.
“It is a venue that brings together various sectors, allowing for comprehensive engagement and creating opportunities for everyone.
“Throughout the event, we have seen a wide range of exciting and enriching activities such as the STEM Playground, Kamboh Stage, Sarawak Rising Star, Skills Master, Planetarium Sultan Iskandar (PSI) Dome, Borneo Maker Workshop and Kid’s Fun Zone.
“Each activity offered opportunities for both learning and fun, and I understand that there have been competitions across various categories,” he said at the closing ceremony of the event at Sibu Indoor Stadium on Sunday (Nov 3).
The event was organised by the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) in collaboration with Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS).
Ding, who is also TEGAS’ Board of Trustees member, stated that the SCaT Fair acts as a one-stop centre for students, youth, parents, and all members of the community to access the latest information on education, career opportunities, and financial aid services provided by participating agencies.
For SPM and STPM graduates, he said this fair offers a platform to explore academic programs from universities, colleges, polytechnics, and vocational training centers.
Through face-to-face interactions with representatives of these institutions, he said young graduates gain a deeper understanding of their educational options, enabling them to make more informed decisions about their futures.
They can explore a variety of fields, from science and engineering to arts and management, he said, adding this kind of exposure is essential in helping students make well-rounded choices regarding their education and career pathways.
He stressed that TEGAS has always acted as a ‘bridge’ to connect the people with key stakeholders, including academic institutions, financial bodies, as well as industry players.
“Through this initiative, we aim to ensure that students, job seekers, and young professionals have access to crucial information and opportunities that will help shape their futures.
“By providing a platform where individuals can directly engage with universities, colleges, training centers, and financial aid providers, TEGAS strives to empower our youth with the knowledge and resources necessary for them to make informed decisions about their education and career paths.
“This connection is not just limited to academic pursuits. We are also proud to bring industry representatives into the fold, creating direct pathways for job seekers to explore employment opportunities, attend on-the-spot interviews, and gain valuable insights into the labour market,” he said.
According to him, the Sibu edition has partnered with Social Security Organisation (SOSCO) to offer over 1,000 job vacancies across various sectors, with 30 companies participating.
These open interview sessions, he said, are designed to create more employment opportunities, reduce the unemployment rate, and improve communication networks, reaching even grassroots communities.
“This initiative demonstrates our collective effort to address the challenges faced by today’s job market and provide meaningful opportunities for our youth.
“The efforts of the organisers to bring together educational institutions, financial services, and industry players aim to equip the youth with relevant knowledge and skills so they are better prepared to face the challenges of today’s increasingly competitive job market,” Ding added.
Among those present were TEGAS chief executive officer Udin Bujang and MEITD deputy permanent secretary Anielia Siam.
