More green economy programmes to produce skilled workforce

BY SITI NURAIN RATANI

KUCHING: Sarawak Skills and i-CATS University College will provide for more green economy programmes to produce a skilled workforce in this field.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that Sarawak is very active in the development of green technology and renewable energy sources.

He said to address gaps in the economic ecosystem, the state needs to change the economic structure, modernise and enhance efficiency, increase household incomes, and at the same time protect the environment.

“Sarawak will develop in a more sustainable manner, guided by green economic technology, and we are implementing policies towards environmental preservation by shifting to zero-carbon green energy.

“Therefore, Sarawak Skills and i-CATS University College will increase “Green Economy” programmes to ensure that many skilled workers are available in this area,” he said.

He made these remarks in his speech read by the Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah at the 26th Convocation of Sarawak Skills and i-CATS University College at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Wednesday.

Abang Johari expressed the Sarawak government’s hope to cultivate as many local talents as possible to drive industries as outlined in the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

This is based on the digital economy and concern for addressing climate change issues.

Additionally, he revealed that i-CATS University College will focus on subjects such as astronomy, physics, chemistry, and algorithms, which are part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum, following the Sarawak government’s plans to develop the space industry.

This comes after the federal government identified Sarawak as a satellite launch site, a decision reached at a physical development meeting on Malaysia chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya.

“The space industry, also known as the satellite industry, requires support services. Therefore, the Sarawak Skills Group of Educational Institutions, through i-CATS University College, has established an aerospace faculty.

“I am very pleased with the establishment of the aerospace faculty at i-CATS University College, which is the first faculty and programme of its kind in Sarawak.

“Therefore, the children of Sarawak should seize this opportunity to learn about space science, especially space technology,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Sarawak Skills and Pro-Chancellor of i-CATS University College, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Abdul Aziz Husain said with a 93 per cent employability rate six months after graduation, Sarawak Skills has proven its capability to produce competent and competitive workers.

“This institution is fortunate to receive strong support from the state government, federal government, and industry players.

“Since its establishment, Sarawak Skills now has 81 members from the government and industry sectors, 10 branches throughout Sarawak, and offers 13 skill fields.

“This institution has also produced more than 77,000 alumni. Therefore, Sarawak Skills will continue to strengthen its vision as a ‘TVET trendsetter’ in developing skills education in Malaysia,” he said.

He also said that Sarawak Skills has established a Sarawak Skills Institute in Sri Aman, which will start accepting students in the fields of electrical engineering and agriculture in October 2024.

At the ceremony, 982 graduates from Sarawak Skills received various awards, including Malaysian Skill Certificates, Malaysian Skill Diplomas, and certificates in welding and modular programmes.

i-CATS University College and i-CATS Miri also presented certificates to graduates in engineering, business, agro-technology, as well as electrical and electronic engineering.