State on track for 500,000 skilled workers by 2030

MIRI: Sarawak is on track to achieve its goal of having 30 per cent of its workforce, approximately 500,000 individuals, as skilled workers by 2030.

This move aligns with the state’s aspirations to become a high-value, knowledge-driven economy supported by a skilled and high-performing workforce, said Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak, Dato Sri Roland Sagah.

Speaking at a briefing on Sarawak’s workforce in collaboration with Sarawak Skills, here on Monday he emphasised the ministry’s commitment to achieving this target through strategic initiatives such as the Industry Continuous Professional Development (ICPD) Programme.

The ICPD Programme, held in Sibu, Bintulu, Miri, and Lawas this year, aims to enhance technical skills and foster collaboration between the government, educational institutions, and industry players.

“In addition to ICPD, we have organised the Sarawak Career and Training (SCaT) Fair, which provides crucial information on educational financial aid and skills training available to the public,” he said.

“The fair also aims to increase the employability and marketability of graduates and youth, while nurturing interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among school children.”

Sagah highlighted that the workforce landscape is rapidly evolving due to technological advancements, which are transforming traditional roles into modern, technology-driven ones.

“The government has introduced the Sarawak Workforce Information System (SWIS), a web-based platform to capture supply and demand data, enabling effective manpower planning,” he explained.

Sarawak’s labour force, which has driven key sectors such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and services, continues to play a pivotal role in the state’s development.

According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), Sarawak’s labour force participation rate stands at around 69 per cent, on par with the national average.

However, Sagah stressed the importance of addressing pressing issues to ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of the state’s workforce.

“The Sarawak Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) emphasises human capital development,” he added.

“Our vision is to increase technical and vocational education and training (TVET) enrolment by 20 per cent, reduce the unemployment rate by 1.2 per cent, and achieve a 40 per cent increase in science enrolment by 2025.”

To further drive workforce development, the Ministry is proposing a State Talent Policy, which aims to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors.

This policy is expected to align Sarawak’s talent pool with the needs of key industries, supporting the state’s broader economic transformation agenda.

With abundant natural resources and a growing emphasis on new economic sectors such as green energy, Sarawak is positioning itself as a hub for Asean economic development.

“There is increasing demand for technical expertise in renewable energy, biotechnology, microelectronics, and maritime sectors,” Sagah noted.

“State-owned institutions such as Sarawak Skills and Centexs are playing a crucial role in training the workforce to meet these demands.”

Sagah stressed the importance of nurturing young Sarawakians, especially those with technical backgrounds, as they will be the key drivers of the state’s future economy.

He acknowledged the role of institutions like Sarawak Skills and Centexs in ensuring that technical workers meet the necessary qualifications, including at least SKM Level 1 and Level 2 certifications, to succeed in their roles.

A total of 100 participants from various sectors, including manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and services, are participating in the ongoing ICPD programme.

Among those present at the briefing session were Adana Jed, Permanent Secretary to the ministry, and Roziana Abdul Rahman of Sarawak Skills Miri Campus.