Tegas to extend support for TVET, STEM students in Sarawak

KUCHING (April 6): Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas) will be further expanded and strengthened to benefit students in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as well as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), said Datuk Len Talif Salleh.

The Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment said the initiative reflects ongoing efforts to empower TVET and vocational education in Sarawak, which have been emphasised since 2012.

According to him, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has also placed strong focus on advancing the digital agenda, with many of Tegas’ programmes centred on both TVET and digital development.

“Tegas works closely with the Ministry of Education, other government agencies and the private sector,” said Len Talif, who also serves as Tegas chairman.

“We have around 60 strategic partners collaborating with us to carry out activities and programmes that encourage youth participation,” he added.

Len noted that efforts are also underway to further develop the Tegas Digital Village, including the introduction of supporting facilities such as hotels and lodges to enhance the digital ecosystem.

He explained that the digital village is envisioned as a dedicated hub expected to be ready within the next three years, where individuals from abroad can work, dine and reside.

“This initiative is inspired by our Premier’s vision, with allocations provided to drive our digital agenda, InshaAllah,” he said, highlighting Tegas’s role in providing a platform for youth in technical, digital and vocational fields to venture into start-ups and become job creators.

Although Tegas is a non-governmental organisation (NGO), he said it is fully funded by the state government and collaborates with agencies such as the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC) to act as a catalyst for digital, technical and vocational-based start-up development.

He made these remarks when met by reporters at the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) Sapphire Run 1.0 at Padang Merdeka here yesterday.

The run, featuring 4.5km and 10km categories, was held in conjunction with LCDA’s 45th anniversary and attracted more than 800 participants, including international runners from Kenya.

The top three finishers for the 10km category emerged from the African nation.

“InshaAllah, the next run will be held in Sarikei this coming August. We hope the community will continue to support and participate in programmes organised by government agencies, and that more parties will be encouraged to do the same,” he said.