Investing in education, training key to thriving in technological era, says Minister

Aneilia (centre) representing Sagah, witnessing the symbolic handing over of the welding equipment worth RM100,000 from JX Nippon General Manager, Business Support Division Katsunori Ozawa (left) to Sarawak Skill executive director Hallman Sabri (second right) while others look on.

By Christopher Lidom

KUCHING, June 27: Investing in education and training programmes is essential to ensure future generations thrive in a technologically advanced landscape, according to Sarawak’s Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development (MEITD) Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.

In emphasising this point, Sagah noted that collaboration between industries, academia, and government bodies is crucial to fostering an ecosystem that nurtures innovation and knowledge transfer.

“As you embrace the promise of IR 4.0, you must also not forget the importance of upskilling and reskilling your workforce,” Sagah said in a speech read by MEITD Deputy Permanent Secretary Aneilia Siam during the handing over ceremony of welding equipment by JX Nippon Oil & Gas Exploration (Malaysia) Limited to Sarawak Skills Development Centre at the Automotive and Welding Institute of Sarawak in Jalan Demak Laut today.

Sagah highlighted the transformative impact of IR 4.0 on Sarawak’s industrial landscape, stating, “Today, IR 4.0 is a transformative force shaping the future of Sarawak’s industrial landscape, and it is imperative that we embrace innovation and adapt our strategies to harness the potential of this era.”

He pointed out that IR 4.0 offers a remarkable opportunity to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and create more sustainable and efficient industries.

“We must embrace technological advancements and integrate sustainable practices to stay relevant and responsible,” he added.

Aneilia (second left) and others being briefed by Automotive and Welding Institute of Sarawak (AWISAR) general manager Jaidil Yako on the welding machine sponsored by JX Nippon.

Earlier in his speech, Sagah thanked JX Nippon Oil & Gas Exploration (Malaysia) Limited for their initiative to sponsor the welding equipment to Sarawak Skills.

He expressed hope that such initiatives would serve as an example to others, highlighting the need for industry and educational institutions to collaborate in enhancing training equipment in line with the latest technology. — DayakDaily