LAWAS – A major outreach initiative by the Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Skills Development (MEITD) is being hailed as a cornerstone for strengthening human capital development across the state.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan emphasized that education forms the essential backbone of regional progress, a vision aligned with the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
He stated that a state’s strength is measured not merely by its natural resources but by the quality of its people, underscoring education as the fundamental pillar for economic and future success.
The program is designed to equip residents with the necessary skills to meet the challenges posed by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0).
This focus on innovation and technology is further supported by state-level establishments like the Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC) and the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC).
Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn detailed the program’s role in providing comprehensive access to information on higher education, skills training, and technical-vocational (TV) opportunities, particularly for students in rural areas.
He outlined several key initiatives, including the Free Tuition Program (SEEP), the Free Education Scheme (FTES), and various scholarships and digital incentives.
Collaboration with institutions such as Sarawak Skills, CENTEXS, and the Sarawak University of Technology (UTS) is critical to delivering early career and educational guidance to secure future employment.