KUCHING, Nov 29: Industry players should be more proactive in training and improving the standard of students through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said TVET is one of the focuses of the state government to produce competent human capital to support various initiatives in line with the state’s development.
He hoped that a “dual training system” like that in Germany can be implemented here, with students undergoing three days of training in the industry and two days in training centres for three years.
“What is interesting is that the funding from the government to develop human capital is at minimum level. The trainee also receive a monthly allowance. The role of industry players is very important in developing human capital,” he said at the 20th Convocation of Sarawak Skills Development Centre (PPKS) and International College of Advanced Technology Sarawak (i-CATS).
A total of 896 students were conferred with certificates and diplomas at the convocation today.
Stressing the importance of strengthening TVET, Abang Johari said this is in line with the state’s development to have human capital of caliber in the Industry 4.0 and Digital Economy era.
“This is an interesting era for Sarawak as the state embarks on a few initiatives to develop the economy in the state. One of the main focuses of the state government is to focus on infrastructure development in rural areas, digital economy, affordable housing, Light Rail Transit (LRT) and development in other industries such as agricultural, education, tourism and petrochemicals.
“The state government has also established Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) and Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS) in order to implement these initiatives,” he added.
He said he was proud of PPKS’ achievements as the institution has been training the youth in various skill areas and all programmes are commissioned by the Skills Development Department. The graduates can choose to work or curther their education to Diploma or Degree level, which is the specialty of the skill programmes offered by PPKS.
Since 1994, PPKS has educated and trained nearly 50,000 graduates, and the graduates are popular in the market with 82 per cent of them securing a job within six months after finishing their training. — DayakDaily
