BETONG – The Betong District Education Office (PPD) Education Expo and Career Day 2025 has been hailed as a meaningful platform to strengthen the educational journey and career pathways of Sarawakian students.
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Betong MP Dato Dr Richard Rapu said the expo provides more than just an exhibition, serving instead as an important avenue to guide and inspire students, particularly Form 5 students preparing for the SPM examination.
He noted that the programme helps students understand the broad range of opportunities available after secondary school — whether continuing to higher education, pursuing skills training, entering the job market or exploring entrepreneurship.
“Within the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, education and talent development remain the backbone for modern agriculture, green energy, the digital economy, tourism and value-added manufacturing. Every child in Betong must have a clear path — from school to skills, from skills to career, and from career to family well-being,” he said during the expo’s opening ceremony on Saturday.
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Dr Richard also highlighted Sarawak’s upcoming free higher education policy, which will cover tuition fees at state-owned institutions starting in 2026. He said this measure demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring no Sarawakian student abandons their studies due to financial constraints.
He further emphasised the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to meet industrial demand, particularly in renewable energy, hydrogen and the digital economy. Agencies such as CENTEXS and Sarawak Skills are continuing to modernise their training modules in areas including automation, fibre optics, and emerging technologies.
The strong employability rate of Sarawak’s TVET graduates, Dr Richard said, shows that the state is moving in the right direction.
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During the ceremony, symbolic presentations of assistance were also made, including:
- Sarawak Foundation School Uniform Aid (PPD Betong Level) worth RM193,000 for 865 students.
- Sarawak Foundation Local Scholarship (PPD Betong Level) worth RM94,400 for 118 students.
- 2025 SPM Excellence Incentives for 44 recipients, each receiving a certificate of appreciation and a Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) Premium Savings Certificate (SSP) worth RM500.
- 2025 STPM Excellence Incentives for 27 recipients, with each receiving a certificate of appreciation and a BSN SSP worth RM700.
