Abd Karim: Educational institutions key to boosting S’wak’s economic growth, tourism

KUCHING (Aug 17): Educational institutions in Sarawak are crucial in equipping the younger generation with the drive towards boosting the region’s economic development and enhance tourism.

Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah emphasises that preparing the younger generation to excel from the grassroots level is essential for them to face future challenges effectively.

“These institutions can support government initiatives, especially since we fully understand the current economic demands and are continuously considering ways to further develop Sarawak,” he said.

Abdul Karim’s text-of-speech was read by the ministry’s permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussain, who represented him at the closing dinner for the ‘Come Discover Bumi Kenyalang’ (CDBK) 2024 programme at a hotel here on Friday.

Adding on, Abdul Karim said globalising economies and markets had increased the demand for international mobility programmes, encouraging cross-cultural exchange and learning.

“This week-long international mobility programme serves as an excellent platform to deepen your knowledge about Sarawak and foster networking opportunities that will aid in developing tourism, both in your home country and ours,” he said.

Organised by Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak, the CDBK 2024 is an international inbound mobility programme developed through a collaboration between UiTM Global Sarawak branch and the Registrar’s Office of UiTM Shah Alam.

As part of the ‘Vice-Chancellor’s Special Project: Embracing Global 4 Supporting Staff’ programme, it includes 37 international undergraduate students and five accompanying staff members from universities such as the University of Management Cambodia, China Baise University, Quanzhou Technical and Vocational University, as well as Indonesia’s Universitas Sebelas Maret and Universitas Panca Bhakti of Pontianak.

Among the programme’s key objectives were to foster strong relationships with international strategic partners, enhance talent development opportunities as well as promote appreciation, contribution and global competitiveness.

Also present was University Transformation Division of UiTM assistant vice-chancellor (strategy) Prof Dr Nor Hayati Saad.