Sagah urges education shift to meet growing demand for digital, green tech skills

BINTULU (Oct 3): The demand for professionals skilled in both digital and sustainable practices is more critical than ever in today’s rapidly changing world, said Sarawak Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.

“As we strive to adapt to the challenges of the 21st century, we must ensure that our education system evolves to meet these demands, preparing our youth for the jobs of tomorrow,” he said at the opening of the Mini Seminar on Industry–Academia 2024: A Road to TVET Education in Digitalisation and Green Technology Industries in Sarawak, at a hotel here today.

According to him, digitalisation is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace and from artificial intelligence to data analytics, the skills required to thrive in a digital economy are crucial.

“As such, our TVET institutions must integrate cutting-edge technology into their curricula.

“By doing so, we will not only enhance the employability of our graduates but also empower them to become innovators and leaders in this digital age,” he said.

Sagah also highlighted Sarawak’s commitment to green technology as part of the Post-Covid Development Strategy 2030, stressing the importance of sustainability in education to address climate change and create eco-friendly solutions.

“By focusing on green technology, we are not only investing in our environment but also opening up a myriad of career opportunities in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and waste management,” he said.

During the seminar, Sagah outlined several key initiatives by his ministry to advance TVET in these crucial sectors, including curriculum enhancement, training and capacity building, industry partnerships, infrastructure investment and awareness campaigns.

He noted that the seminar marks a significant step in bridging the gap between academia and industry amid the evolving landscapes of digitalisation and sustainability.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Skills executive director Hallman Sabri said the seminar was jointly organised by the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Sarawak, Sarawak Skills and Advance Technology Training Centre (Adtec), Bintulu.

He stressed the importance of these collaborations in meeting the labour market’s changing needs and maintaining a competitive workforce.

“This event is more than just a meeting. It is a platform for focus group discussions; it is an opportunity to pool our collective insights and it is a means to gather feedback from key stakeholders on the pressing talent matters affecting various economic clusters,” he said.

His text of speech was read by Sarawak Skills chief strategy officer (Strategic Engagement and Business Development Division) Mohamad Isham Fauzi.

The seminar covered topics such as renewable energy, smart technologies and AI integration in various industries, focusing on practical applications and real-world case studies to enhance productivity and environmental stewardship.

The one-day programme was attended by 150 participants, including industry practitioners, human resource managers, representatives from SMEs, TVET practitioners and lecturers, and personnel from state and federal government agencies.