SARATOK: The development of Sarawak’s digital economy still requires a lot of human capital skilled in Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) and digital innovation skills, including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education.
Krian assemblyman Friday Belik said basic education is not enough to meet the world challenges of Industrial Revolution 4.0 or the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
In this regard, he stressed that youth, including children who are still in school, are encouraged to pursue TVET.
“Expertise in the field of TVET or digital innovation skills, including STEM education, is very necessary in the development of the digital economy in this region,” he said while officiating the Education and Career Carnival Project of Dreams Realised (Pro-DR) 2024 at the Saratok District Level at Dewan Sri Krian, yesterday.
The text of his speech was read by James Jimbun, an official from the Krian Assemblyman Service Centre.
Friday, who is also a member of the Trust Board of the Sarawak Children’s Ideas Economic Fund (Tegas), added that the Sarawak government is serious about the development of youth talent or human capital in the field.
“The proof is that through Tegas, various high-impact programmes were designed such as Sarawak Career and Training (SCaT) Fair, STEM Playground, International DROBOTEX Challenge and the latest Tegas Think and Thinker (T&T) Mini Lab in 11 selected schools throughout Sarawak.
“And we can be proud when Tegas managed to reach almost half a million people (456,000) consisting of students, youth and communities through the promotion of STEM education and digital innovation skills.”
He also emphasised the quality of education itself, which must remain relevant to current and future needs and capable of producing competitive individuals up to the global level.
Meanwhile, Tegas Community Innovative Learning (TCIL) senior manager Fredick Kevin Buseli stated that, as a non-profit entity, Tegas strives to be the best platform in Sarawak to promote TVET, STEM and entrepreneurship.
“With that, we are always trying to ensure that the Sarawak government’s agenda to make Sarawak an advanced region by 2030 can be achieved.
“So that no community is left behind in the development of education and skills, nor the economy, whether in the city or the countryside.
“Therefore, we have designed and implemented various initiatives to ensure that every youth in Sarawak is given equal opportunities,” he added.
For the record, Saratok is the fourth location of the Pro-DR 2024 roadshow.
Betong Division Resident’s Office, Project Development and Strategic Planning Unit section head Hamdan Katang and Saratok District deputy education officer (school management sector) Lee Kim Yeng were also present.
