KUCHING: Skilled human resource development or capacity building is one of the main drivers of the hydrogen economy, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said as such, Sarawak needs to have its own manpower skilled enough to pursue development that is based on new technologies and energy sources, particularly hydrogen.
“Sarawak needs to provide institutions such as universities, vocational institutions, and special training centres to generate the required skills in this new technology.
“And I believe that institutions such as Sarawak Skills Development Centre (Sarawak Skills) and International College of Advanced Technology Sarawak (i-CATS) University College can play a role to produce skilled manpower or specialists in various new technologies including the development of the use of hydrogen gas and digital technologies that are the catalyst for today’s economy,” he said during the Sarawak Skills/i-CATS 23rd convocation and the official launching of i-CATS University College on Monday (March 8).
He said in the ongoing development of the world economy that is heading towards clean energy, it is expected that hydrogen gas will be the main source of energy in the coming decades.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg (right) presenting the ‘Piala Industri TVET 2020’ to Mohd Nikirul Issac Mohamad Khalick (centre) while being witnessed by Sarawak Skills Chairman and i-Cats University College President Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Datuk Husain. Photo: Ramidi Subari 
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg (right) presenting the ‘Piala Presiden Kolej Universiti i-Cats 2020 (Non-Technical)’ to Jennifer Ng Sing Yee (centre) while being witnessed by Sarawak Skills Chairman and i-Cats University College President Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Datuk Husain. Photo: Ramidi Subari
“Sarawak, ahead of other states, has already begun to take steps to pioneer the use of hydrogen, especially in the transportation sector,” he said.
The chief minister said that the hydrogen production plant managed by Sarawak Energy in Pending is the first facility in the region.
“The two buses operating in Kuching are also among the first hydrogen buses in Malaysia and the Asean region. Also, we have the first 3-in-1 refuelling station for providing conventional fuel, electric, and hydrogen supply,” he said.
He added Sarawak is fortunate and blessed with many renewable energy sources, and for the sustainable development of Sarawak, the state strives to strengthen the green economy, which is a development strategy based on renewable energy.
“As such, I believe Sarawak Skills and i-CATS can play their role in producing the required skilled human resource in the area of clean energy,” said Abang Johari.
Also present was Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong and Sarawak Skills chairman and i-CATS University College president Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain.
