KUCHING: The new generation must be imbued with knowledge on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) along with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to meet future industry demands.
In stressing this, Tupong assemblyman Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman said these are the drivers of Sarawak long-term economic vision with a competent and professional workforce.
“We must think of ways to leverage and grab the opportunities to fulfill the world’s economic demands. The question is how do we do it? We need the expertise, the political will and a stable income.
“The new generation has a big responsibility to guarantee Sarawak’s future and they must look at the courses that are in demand and could contribute to our vision.
“We must instill the knowledge and interest of STEM and technical training as these enable the fulfillment of our long-term strategies,” he said when officiating at the Career Day and Education Fair organised by the Padawan district education office at Matang Vocational College here today.
Meanwhile, Fazzrudin who is also chief political secretary to the Premier said Sarawak is in the midst of growing its economy through exploring new energy sources such as hydrogen, ammonia and carbon capture.
“We have heard that the Premier wants to introduce free tertiary education starting 2026 at Sarawak-owned universities in certain courses.
“There might be some who are questioning why isn’t it extended to all courses. To this I say, be patient as we want to grow our economy and these new industries by equipping our children with the needed knowledge and skills,” he said.
He said with the new industries growing, it will provide a spillover effect to other industries and the local economy.
“This will ensure that all layers of society will be able to enjoy the development that is always bandied about by the Premier,” he said.
Commenting on the programme, Fazzrudin said it is important to inculcate and provide exposure to the demands as well as vast opportunities in STEM and TVET.
“Recently, we launched the Aerospace Academy at Centexs (Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak) as we want to train Sarawakians in the aerospace industry for their skills to not only be marketed in Sarawak but to the world.
“This is because we don’t want to only be jaguh kampung (local champions) but also world champions either in academic, technical skills and STEM,” he said.
During the function, the assemblyman also presented incentives to students who excelled in SPM and STPM last year.
He also visited the exhibition booths at the programme and presented participation certificates to the exhibitors.
Also present were Padawan district education officer Dr Abang Adam Abang Deli, Matang Vocational College director Arni Suhaili, Betong Vocational College director Mohd Amin Mohd Noor, Sarawak Foundation assistant director Temah Ibrahim and Press Metal Bintulu Sdn Bhd Kuching branch director Nina Melling.
