KUCHING: Worldskills Malaysia Sarawak 2019 (WMS 2019) promises to be an exciting and enriching experience and serves as a platform to uncover the potential of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (Tvet).
The biennial event is organised by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Research Sarawak (MESTR) in collaboration with the Federal Skills Development Department, Sarawak Region and supported by institutions of higher learning and Tvet institutions in Sarawak.
“WorldSkills competitions are regarded as the ‘Olympics of Skills’ and are organised under the auspices of WorldSkills International, a global organisation of 76 nations dedicated to raise the profile and recognition of skilled people and highlights the significance of skills in achieving economic growth and personal success,” said Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Datuk Seri Michael Manyin at a press conference at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday.
He added that WMS is held to recognise and acknowledge the skills and competencies of youths and to raise awareness of vocational education and skills career.
“It is a platform to bring forward the talents of Sarawak’s youth and instill in them a desire to excel in their chosen skill.”
He noted that the maiden edition of the WMS competition in 2017 attracted a total of 209 youths from all over Sarawak competing in 11 categories.
This year, a total of 260 participants competed in 15 categories. The preliminary round of the competition was held between July 23 and Aug 7 this year. In line with the State’s focus on Digital Economy, four new skills categories from the field of Information and Communication Technology were included in this year’s competition. 94 participants have qualified for the finals on Sept 10 – 11. In conjunction with WMS 2019, the Skills Development Department (JPK) will be hosting the ‘Tvet Carnival Malaysia Sarawak’ featuring
cultural performances, lucky draws, blood donation drive and walk-in
employment interviews.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg will close the carnival and present prizes to winners of the various competitions on Sept 12.
