By Ashley Sim and Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 11: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasises the need for an additional 6,000 technologists by 2025.
This was stated by Abang Johari during his speech prior to officiating the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) Borneo Symposium 2023, which was held today at the Borneo Cultures Museum here.
“Based on the latest data, Sarawak has 1961 graduate technologists, 461 qualified technicians, 722 professional technologists, 147 certified technicians, which total up to 3291.
“This means that we need another 6000 technologists by 2025. I hope we are able to achieve this number by 2025, which is a quite tough and tall order.
“But at least by 2030, Sarawak must have a sufficient number of technologists,” he said.
He mentioned that Sarawak’s vision is to be at the forefront of IR 5.0, through the establishment of the first full-scale industrial research capacity university in Southeast Asia, as part of the Sarawak Smart City development.
“The realisation of the Sarawak Technological Park (STP) is also within our sights, with the collaborative efforts of all institutions and companies.
“I am committed to ensure these developments will benefit the people of Sarawak.
“But the State’s technological endeavour needs professional talents to deliver their service especially to the industry,” he explained.
In light of this, the Premier said that the State intends to register 10,000 technicians and technologists in Sarawak by 2025.
In addition, Abang Johari emphasised that technologists and technicians are frequently disregarded, resulting in a shortage in numerous vital industries, which hinders the capacity to be more competitive and productive.
“That is why I am fully supportive of any initiatives that enhance the capacity of technologists and technicians in Sarawak like we hold today.
“I want industry players, education, and skilled development institutions as well as government agencies to work together in promoting and developing technological talents.
“Not only that, trade associations and learned societies must play their role in this journey,” he remarked.
Among others present at the event were Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) chairman Tan Sri Morshidi Abdul Ghani and MBOT president Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir. — DayakDaily
