KUCHING – Education and human capital development have been identified as the cornerstone of Sarawak’s long-term transformation, with the state government reaffirming its commitment to building a skilled and future-ready workforce under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said that true progress is not measured solely by economic growth but also by the vision, skills and resilience of the people.
He stressed that education and human capital are the foundation for Sarawak to achieve its ambition of becoming a developed, sustainable and prosperous state by 2030.
Delivering his message through Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Minister of Education, Innovation and Skills Development, at the 27th Sarawak Skills Convocation Ceremony held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), the Premier said the state aims to nurture a generation of Sarawakians who will excel academically while also leading in technology, trade, green energy and the digital economy.
He explained that PCDS 2030 is designed to create opportunities for Sarawakians to contribute to long-term prosperity and sustainability.
To achieve this, the government will continue to strengthen infrastructure, attract strategic investments, and expand economic activities to generate more jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities across the state.
A key focus of this strategy is the advancement of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The Premier highlighted that TVET is vital in producing skilled, competitive and innovative workers who can meet the demands of Sarawak’s industries.
The state is actively enhancing its TVET ecosystem through institutions such as Sarawak Skills, with training programmes aligned to sectors including energy, engineering, digital technology, food security and modern agriculture.
The convocation ceremony celebrated the achievements of 631 graduates, comprising 477 recipients of the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM), 122 graduates of the Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM), and 32 graduates recognised through the Recognition of Prior Achievements (PPT) programme.
The event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sarawak Skills and Dagang Automobil Kedua Sdn. Bhd. (Perodua) to strengthen collaboration in industrial training and human capital development.
As part of the partnership, Perodua presented a symbolic replica car key to Sarawak Skills, which will be used to support automotive training for students.
Also in attendance were Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Minister of Consumer Industry, Commodities and Rural Development; Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Skills Development (Skills Development); Datuk Dr Annuar Rapa’ee, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Skills Development (Higher Education & Innovation); and Norazibah M. Rabu, Chairman of the Sarawak Skills Board of Directors.
The Premier concluded that education and human capital development are not merely social agendas but essential drivers of Sarawak’s transformation. By prioritising skills, innovation and resilience, the state is positioning itself to thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy.
