S’wak education ministry, association to collab on achieving State’s goal of registering 10k technologists by 2025

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By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, Aug 6: The Ministry of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development (MEITD) Sarawak, in collaboration with the Association of Professional Technicians and Technologists (APTT), will work with other agencies to achieve the State’s goal of registering 10,000 technologists by 2025.

MEITD minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said this during the opening ceremony of the Advanced Sustainable Technology International Conference (ASTECH) Sarawak 2024, which took place today at a local hotel here.

The minister reiterated Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s call for professionals to register as technicians or technologists, targeting 10,000 registered professionals by 2025.

According to reports on July 30, the Premier announced that Sarawak had 6,555 registered technologists and technicians with the Malaysia Board of Technologies (MBOT) as of June of this year.

“Also, under the Sarawak Talent Policy, the State strives for the TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) workers to have minimum Malaysian Skill Certificate Level 1 produced by the Department of Skills Development agency.

“It is hoped that this will upgrade the competencies of workers and increase their salaries gradually,” Sagah said.

He emphasised the importance of TVET in equipping Sarawak’s workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.

“Aligned with the conference theme, MEITD will use ASTECH to advance TVET education by sharing best practices and innovative ideas.

“This conference supports talent development, offers valuable opportunities for students and educators, and fosters international collaboration,” he added.

The minister also pointed out that ASTECH is a pioneering event, integrating diverse components such as a student town hall, industrial exhibition, international forum, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activities.

“This is the essence of ASTECH—it brings together all necessary entities to collaborate and create a highly skilled workforce for a sustainable economy.

“In the realm of TVET, sustainability means incorporating environmental, social, and economic factors into skill development.

“This approach not only provides individuals with relevant skills but also fosters practices that contribute to a sustainable future.”

As Sarawak moves towards a high-income economy, Sagah called for synergised efforts among stakeholders to equip future talent with advanced skills and knowledge.

He also pointed out the need for continuous professional development for teachers and lecturers to ensure educational institutions keep pace with advancements in fields such as hydrogen and solar energy, microalgae for the Green Economy, and the aerospace industry.

ASTECH featured 170 presentation papers from seven different countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, India, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Portugal.

Additionally, the conference saw an impressive turnout of nearly 600 students from a wide range of educational institutions in Kuching. These included local and private universities, polytechnics, community colleges, vocational colleges, and high schools.

With the theme ‘Fostering Research and Innovation for Sustainable TVET Development: Pathways To A Resilient Future’, ASTECH focused on engineering, technology, science, TVET, and education.

Organised by Politeknik Negeri Bandung (POLBAN) in collaboration with Politeknik Kuching Sarawak (PKS), this inaugural international conference aimed to foster the exchange of knowledge and innovative ideas among professionals from various fields.

The event was attended by various dignitaries and officials, including MEITD deputy minister Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, MEITD deputy permanent secretary Anielia Siam, POLBAN head of Research and Innovation Unit Dr Yackob Astor, and PKS director Samsudin Mohd Saleh. — DayakDaily

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