By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Dec 11: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has emphasised the critical role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in producing technologists to realise the State’s ambitious strategies for achieving sustainability and economic diversification goals.
To stimulate Sarawak’s technology-driven economy, he said the State requires individuals skilled in science-based disciplines such as physics and chemistry, rather than just the humanities or social disciplines.
“Without this, they will struggle to find employment. Currently, jobs based on technology offer high wages.
“For example, in the palm oil industry, we now use machines for harvesting. Harvesters who operate machines, like those in the Miri area, earn over RM2,000 per month.
“An ordinary workforce only pulls the fruit manually, but with these skills, workers deserve higher pay. This is more efficient—higher wages, higher productivity,” he told reporters after officiating the 4th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area’s (BIMP-EAGA) TVET Conference 2024 held at Imperial Hotel here today.
Addressing the growing importance of hydrogen as a clean energy source, Abang Johari emphasised that a strong foundation in STEM—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—is essential.
“If we want to advance in areas like hydrogen fuel cell technology, we need people who understand chemistry and can repair fuel cells,” he said, noting Sarawak’s efforts to develop ‘modern mechanics’ through institutions like i-CATS University College. – DayakDaily
