KUCHING: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak is in a good position to offer courses that would augment the state government’s efforts to bring about a skilled-driven economy.
Deputy Minister of Women, Children and Community Welfare Development Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam said since there is still a shortage of students entering the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) field, it is an issue that needs attention from all public universities, including Unimas.
“That’s why I would agree if Unimas plays a role in offering courses in demand, especially to produce more educators in the TVET field,” he said.
“It’s not impossible for Unimas, to offer TVET-related courses. This also aligns with the vision and mission of Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in driving an economy based on skilled labour,” he said.
Razi made these remarks after representing Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at the inauguration of the UPU2U 2023 Outreach Programme Zone Sarawak at the Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan Sports Hall yesterday.
Razi hoped that more related institutions or the Ministry of Higher Education will enhance awareness programmes to encourage people to enter this field.
The fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and TVET are now considered essential choices, he said, adding that Sarawak is driving economic development that relies heavily on skilled labour in TVET.
“In line with this, apart from other attractive courses offered, students are encouraged to pursue STEM and TVET fields as essential choices. This is because of the broad career opportunities, especially as the current global and Malaysian economy, including Sarawak, is driven by these fields,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to Unimas and the ministry for choosing Betong as the location for this year’s UPU2U Outreach Programme.
“We appreciate the ministry and Unimas for reaching out to students in the Betong Division, providing them with awareness and exposure to post-schooling education. Information is now readily available at their fingertips.
“The programme, initiated by the ministry, benefits both sides – students can understand the opportunities available to them, while the ministry can understand and provide solutions to the challenges they face,” he added.
Unimas Vice-Chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohamad Kadim Suaidi, Student Admission Division Director Mohd Adiel Azhar Harun, and Unimas Corporate Director cum Chairman of the UPU2U 2023 Outreach Programme Sarawak Zone Committee, Zulkarnaen Ali, were also present.
