By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Sept 15: Sarawak will have to continue to invest in developing its own digital, technical and creative talents to meet the demands of Industry Revolution (IR) 4.0.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari said digital competencies such as data analytics and problem-solving skills will be the focus of training for graduates participating in the Graduate Enhancement Training Sarawak (GETS) 4.0 Programme.
In addition to digital skills, he said, soft skills such as project management, decision-making, critical thinking, communication, design thinking and negotiating will also empower local talents to be more prepared for the digital future.
“I have, time and again, said that data is an increasingly valuable economic commodity in both the public and private sector data to drive economic growth.
“Therefore, incorporating the IR 4.0 knowledge model means enterprises in Sarawak would need to expand their value-creation capabilities and reshape business models, especially in this tough pandemic environment,” he said during the launching of GETS 4.0 which was broadcast through Zoom today.
In line with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 which anticipates the creation of 195,000 high-paying jobs and a total employment of 1.5 million by 2030, Abang Johari urged young Sarawakians especially graduates, to see the vast opportunities in Sarawak’s digitalisation agenda.
“Towards this end, I believe GETS 4.0 plays an important role in cultivating digital leaders and instilling the culture of embracing the ever-advancing digital technology and solutions, and always seeking ways to imbue them in our work processes.
“For example, LASIS (Land and Survey Information System) has provided solutions to enhance the service of the department, thanks to quickness of people in there to see potential in IT solutions,” he added.
The initial first-generation GETS programme began in 2018 and is an ongoing initiative for the past three years due to the increasing demand.
Since 2020, the programme was rebranded as GETS 4.0 in order to be more structured and with an eye to the Fourth Industry Revolution (IR 4.0) to further enhance talent development among Sarawakian youths.
Along with 300 GETS 4.0 graduates throughout the State, also participating in the Zoom session were Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion, Sarawak Deputy State Secretary Datu Dr Sabariah Putit, Sarawak Centre of Performance Excellence (Scope) chief executive officer (CEO) Dr Asleena Dato Helmi, and Leadership Institute of Sarawak Civil Service CEO Ismail Said. — DayakDaily
