This Content Is Only For Subscribers
By Shikin Louis and Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 8: The Sarawak government will increase bursary scholarships for Sarawakian children pursuing their studies within State-owned higher learning institutions, including i-CATS University College.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has pledged to not only bolster financial support but also enhance the education infrastructure, including developing a new cutting-edge campus for i-CATS to be at par with other universities in Malaysia.
Amidst Sarawak’s transition towards a greener and more innovative economy, Abang Johari envisions Sarawak Skills and i-CATS taking a pivotal role in diversifying their curriculum with ‘Green Skills’ programmes to cultivate a larger pool of skilled workforce tailored to the demands of new sustainable industries.
“The GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) government will continue all efforts to increase the household income and lower poverty rate, especially in rural areas, with one of the approaches through education,” he said during the 25th Sarawak Skills and i-CATS University College Convocation ceremony held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Acknowledging the evolving landscape of employment, Abang Johari stressed the urgency of education adapting to technological advancements, new skills and the knowledge-based economy.
“Failure to do so could leave Sarawak’s workforce lagging in the competitive job market,” he said.
To bridge economic disparities, Abang Johari underscored the need for a transformative shift in Sarawak’s economic structure, modernisation, increasing efficiency, enhanced household income and, at the same time, protecting and preserving the environment.
He pointed out that Sarawak is currently actively pursuing sustainable development through green energy, alternative renewables including hydrogen, algae-based sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), as well as carbon credits to incentivise carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS).
In light of these prospects, Abang Johari urged Sarawak children, including graduates, scientists, and professionals, to explore emerging technology domains and nurture their expertise in burgeoning fields to elevate the region’s income.
“I am confident by 2030, our target to increase household income to RM15,000 can be achieved.
“With strong revenue, it will also allow Sarawak to continue its efforts to develop both its people and the region,” he said.
During the 25th Sarawak Skills and i-CATS University College Convocation ceremony, a remarkable 1,009 graduates from diverse academic and skills programmes received their hard-earned accolades.
Among these were 483 recipients of the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM), 149 recipients of the Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM), and 32 recipients of the Malaysian Skills Diploma in Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).
Academic accomplishments were also acknowledged, with 59 degree programme graduates in fields like Software Engineering and Business Administration, 206 diploma programme graduates, and 13 graduates from the Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering programme.
Notably, 67 graduates from 2020, who navigated the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, also joined in the commemoration.
Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Deputy Minister of Education and Innovation Datuk Dr Annuar Rapee, Deputy Minister of Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Sarawak Skills chairman who is also i-CATS University College pro-chancellor II Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Husain, and Petronas Sarawak general manager Zulaihi Mohd Mantali were among those present. — DayakDaily
