LAWAS – The Sarawak government has unveiled plans to elevate the Centre for Technical Excellence (CENTEXS) in Lawas into a regional training hub, aimed at cultivating advanced technical skills among students spanning Sarawak, Sabah, and beyond.
At the official opening of CENTEXS Lawas, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Abang Johari Openg affirmed that funding will be allocated to upgrade the centre’s infrastructure.
He emphasized that “strategic training” will extend to learners from neighbouring regions including Brunei and Sabah not just Lawas, as part of broader efforts to unify talent development across borders.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah previously advocated for the inclusion of the centre’s infrastructure improvements in the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan, highlighting the urgent need to bolster technical education in northern Sarawak.
Recognizing the vital role of vocational training for food security, the Premier also highlighted training initiatives in rice cultivation.
He encouraged locals to adopt mechanised agriculture methods to potentially achieve two harvests annually, enhancing regional self-sufficiency and creating surplus goods for sale.
In a display of green innovation, the Premier inaugurated a 100-metre “Green Asphalt” road constructed entirely from local plastic waste right within CENTEXS Lawas’s grounds.
This pioneering project developed in partnership with Janatek Resources and women-led startup Renergy Bumi Hijau transforms approximately 400 kg of discarded plastic into durable road material, supporting Sarawak’s zero-waste ambitions and broader circular economy goals.
Looking ahead, Premier Abang Johari reiterated Sarawak’s dedication to post-educational development anchored in talent cultivation, environmental sustainability, and technological transformation.
He underscored the importance of emerging industries, including hydrogen energy and artificial intelligence (AI), in the state’s economy.
Drawing a parallel with Germany’s economically robust state of Bavaria, he urged Sarawak to aim for a similarly influential role within Malaysia.
The launch also featured a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between CENTEXS and the Sarawak Media Group, signaling intentions to integrate media and communications training at the centre.
These initiatives collectively position CENTEXS Lawas as a nexus for cross-border technical education, sustainability, and economic modernization.
