National Technical Profession Day set to draw 5,000 visitors

KUCHING: The 2026 National Technical Profession Day (HPTN 2026) celebration in Sarawak this December is expected to feature 230 exhibition booths and attract around 5,000 visitors.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, said the organisation of HPTN 2026 would serve as an important platform to connect technical expertise with actual development needs, while strengthening knowledge-sharing, talent development and collaboration among government agencies, professional bodies, educational institutions and industry players.

He said the theme of HPTN 2026, ‘Technical Professions Driving Sustainability’, carries a clear message that future national development requires high-level technical expertise, the appropriate use of technology and a strong commitment to sustainability.

“As we approach HPTN in December, I urge ministries, government agencies, professional bodies, educational institutions and industry partners to provide active support.

“Use this opportunity to connect expertise with actual development needs. The relationships established should be sustained through knowledge-sharing, talent development and collaborations that deliver clear benefits,” he said in a speech delivered by Sarawak Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Aidel Lariwoo, at the HPTN 2026 Pre-Launch Ceremony at Sheraton Hotel on Wednesday (Sept. 23).

According to Uggah, the HPTN 2026 theme is also in line with Sarawak’s development direction through the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which emphasises economic prosperity, social inclusivity and environmental sustainability.

He said HPTN 2026 is expected to provide a platform for sharing experiences in technology adoption, professional networking, education and interaction between industry players and the community.

He also encouraged students at higher education institutions and schools to take advantage of HPTN to explore technical fields as a career option for the future, including science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), technical and vocational education and training (TVET), engineering, technology, construction and architecture.

The pre-launch ceremony marked the beginning of official preparations for the HPTN 2026 main event, which will be held over two days in Kuching this December.