KUCHING: Sarawak needs to have institutions of higher learning, vocational training centres and special skills training centres to produce individuals with skills in hydrogen gas technology.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said one of the key drivers of a hydrogen economy was human resource development or capacity building.
“Sarawak must produce skilled manpower to ensure the success of this hydrogen economy.
“Institutions such as Sarawak Skills and iCATS University College could generate skilled manpower or specialists in various new technologies including the development of hydrogen gas and digital technologies which are catalysts for today’s economy,” he said during the 24th Sarawak Skills and i-CATS University College convocation.
The text of his speech was read out by Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development l, Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn during the ceremony at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here yesterday.
Abang Johari, who is also the Chancellor of i-CATS University said to sustain the development of Sarawak, the government had a policy that strengthened the green economy, which is a development strategy based on renewable energy.
“Sarawak is very fortunate to have many renewable energy resources. For example, we have water to produce hydropower that drives industrial development. In fact, we are the largest generator of hydropower in Malaysia,” he added.
He pointed out that at the global level, it is expected that hydrogen gas will be the main fuel in the future when the economy will be based on carbon-free energy.
“Therefore, Sarawak has started to develop projects using hydrogen gas cell energy especially for buses and cars.
“I am confident that the rapid development of technology in the future will enable the production of hydrogen gas energy cells to be done at low cost.
“So far, Sarawak is the leading state in the building of a hydrogen economy with the target of becoming the main producer of hydrogen in our region,” he said, adding that foreign investors have already committed themselves to building a plant producing hydrogen gas in Bintulu that will be exported to countries such as Japan.
Abang Johari said he was confident that with the spirit, commitment and dedication of the management and staff of iCATS University College, it will become another centre that produces high quality human capital fit for the digital era.
“I sincerely hope that Sarawak Skills and its group of institutions will continue their education agenda to further strengthen the culture of pursuing knowledge, skills, noble values, and improve the living standards of the people,” he said.
