By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, Aug 25: The new Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) in Lawas is poised to become a regional training hub, catering not only to the local community but also to participants from beyond Lawas.
According to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is also the chairman of Yayasan Sarawak, this is because the centre would also cater to Sabah, as well as neighbouring countries Brunei and Indonesia—making it a truly ‘universal’ approach.
“Our aspirations under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 are to produce a skilled workforce as well as prioritise environmental sustainability. Both must walk together because if we want to preserve and protect the environment, we must have the knowledge to do so.
“This is what we want, and CENTEXS Lawas, I feel, will pave the way,” he said at the launching ceremony of CENTEXS Lawas, which was streamed live by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) today.
The Premier also added that training institutions play a vital role in developing a skilled workforce, including in the paddy farming sector, using modern technology to ensure food security.
“Limbang and Lawas must adopt modern methods. That’s why we are providing training, teaching the people here how to use machinery for paddy planting. Beyond personal consumption, any surplus rice can be sold,” he said.
The event also saw Abang Johari officiating the State’s first green asphalt road made from single-use plastic waste, as well as witnessing the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CENTEXS and Sarawak Media Group to enhance workforce skills in the media industry.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn; Sarawak Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodities, and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail; and CENTEXS chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani were also present.
According to a press release, the new campus, built at a cost of RM45 million, replaces the temporary facility established in 2018. It is equipped with 16 lecture rooms, eight technical workshops, hostels, and modern training infrastructure—supporting up to 700 trainees at any given time.
It is expected to strengthen Sarawak’s position as a hub for technical and vocational training and looks to create new opportunities in the agro-food, hospitality, tourism, oil and gas, and green industries. — DayakDaily
