Education & Talent Development Aligned With Future Economy
KUCHING: Sarawak is aligning its education and talent development strategies with the needs of a rapidly evolving economy to ensure sustainable employment opportunities for future generations.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said this includes preparing Sarawakian youth for emerging industries through targeted academic programmes and future-ready disciplines.
He said this during the Townhall '9 Tahun Bersama Premier Sarawak' held at the Satok Ballroom, Hikmah Exchange on Tuesday, in response to questions on job prospects for graduates following the implementation of Sarawak’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) beginning in 2026.
The Sarawak Premier said the state has identified 64 academic programmes across science-based disciplines, social sciences and the arts to support emerging industries and societal needs over the next four to five years.
“These programmes are aligned with the future economy, including science, engineering, information technology, finance, law and psychology,” he said, adding that psychology was included in view of increasing mental health and wellbeing needs in modern society.
He explained that Sarawak’s future growth sectors include hydrogen and new energy technologies, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, engineering, aerospace, tourism and creative industries, all of which require multidisciplinary skills and strong scientific foundations.
Touching on technological advancement, he said engineering and infrastructure development now rely heavily on digital tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Highway Information Modelling (HIM), highlighting the growing integration of IT across traditional sectors.
The Sarawak Premier also noted plans to expand higher education offerings at institutions such as the International College of Advanced Technology Sarawak (i-CATS), including the development of aerospace-related programmes to support high-technology industries.
He stressed that young people must choose disciplines based on future economic trends, as industries and job requirements continue to evolve with technological and societal change.
“If Sarawak moves forward, Malaysia moves forward,” he said, adding that Sarawak’s development contributes directly to national economic growth through investment, innovation and talent creation.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and wife Dato Dayang Morliah Datuk Awang Daud, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and wife Dato Baduyah Bujang, deputy ministers, heads of departments and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews
