By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 20: Institut Kemahiran MARA (IKM) Bintulu is poised to be upgraded into a regional energy education hub, in line with Sarawak’s aspiration to become a centre for future energy development, including hydrogen energy and green technology.
According to a TVS news report, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) chairman, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, said that IKM Bintulu has world-class facilities recognised by various professional bodies, particularly in energy-related welding.
He added that MARA is currently drafting a master plan to strengthen IKM Bintulu’s role as a key training and education centre in the energy sector.
The master plan is now in its final stages of preparation, with about 60 per cent completed, and is expected to be launched by the end of this year.
The plan, he said, is essential to position Sarawak as a key player in the international energy sector.
“Therefore, strategic collaboration with the Sarawak government is crucial, as it aligns with the aspirations of the Premier of Sarawak and the Sarawak government to position Sarawak as a new energy hub, particularly in hydrogen and green technology,” he said.
He said this to the media after paying a courtesy visit to the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, at the Premier’s Office in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) today.
In a related development, he also shared that the MARA council held its first-ever meeting in Bintulu on Monday (May 19) and took the opportunity to visit several MARA educational institutions, including Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM), IKM, and GiatMARA.
Following engagement sessions with students, he said MARA approved an allocation of approximately RM3 million to upgrade educational facilities, including hostels, sports fields, and learning amenities at MRSM and IKM Bintulu.
“We hope this will motivate students and trainees at MARA’s skills institutions.
“That is why we are taking the approach of strengthening strategic cooperation with the Sarawak government to benefit the State’s youth in the future,” he said. — DayakDaily
