Local talent at heart

KUCHING: Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd (Sarawak Metro) is setting its sights on local talent and technology to propel the state’s public transport system into a greener, more sustainable future.

Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) deputy project director Prabu Ganesh said that this plan requires collaboration with institutions of higher learning and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) centres.

“Sarawak Metro strives to nurture local talent with the specific skills needed for the KUTS project.

“These partnerships will focus on transferring knowledge and technology to strengthen local capabilities,” he said during a forum session at the Hydrogen & Tech Safari 4.0 in Miri recently.

This focus on local expertise is underscored by the introduction of the Socio-Economic Enhancement Development (SEED) programme. Inspired by the successful Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) used in federal mega projects, SEED aims to cultivate a skilled local workforce and establish a Sarawak-based supply chain to support KUTS operations.

A key initiative under SEED is the establishment of an assembly plant for the project’s hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) vehicles.

“By working closely with institutions of higher learning and TVET centres, we aim to ensure our hydrogen-powered ART and feeder buses are well-supported by local industry players,” he added.

The Hydrogen & Tech Safari 4.0 was attended by over 500 students from 10 local secondary schools.