BY NATASHA JEE and ALEXANDRA LORNA
BINTULU: Sarawak requires more skilled human resources as it is one of the factors contributing to the growth of its household income.
In stating this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak has achieved high income status according to the World Bank, and next is to increase the state’s household income.
“For us to increase the household income, one of the areas is based on talent development.
“Talent development is important because after one graduates from university, they will find a job that is relevant to their training and at the same time earn a lucrative income.
“As an example, in the family, a child earns an income of RM6,000 and another child earns RM6,000, total up, it would be RM12,000.
“This means that the household income can reach up to RM15,000, and when this happens, our poverty level becomes lower,” he said.
He said this in a press conference after the handover and launching ceremony of the Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) Bintulu Campus here on Wednesday (Nov 1).
Abang Johari further said that is why it is important to train and have the right expertise in line with the economy that is based on technology today.
“Therefore, I want to thank Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) for setting up the MRSM Bintulu Campus which will contribute to talent development, especially to the children in Bintulu,” he said.
He welcomed private and corporate companies interested in establishing university campuses in the state in the effort to empower education and produce more skilled human resources.
“I want to thank Petronas for building MRSM Bintulu and Yayasan Sarawak for providing the land for this development.
“If Petronas wants to set up its university in Bintulu, there is land for you,” he said.
With more campuses or institutions, Abang Johari added it will allow students to be further trained.
“Whether it is a college or campus, Petronas can work together with the state government to provide further training in various fields,” he said.
Meanwhile, Petronas chairman Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh, while welcoming the Premier’s suggestion, said a study to set up a branch campus in Sarawak needs to be studied in detail.
“It is a good proposal but there are implications that we need to take into account, so we will have to look into all aspects,” he said.
