SRI AMAN: The Sarawak Government continues to intensify efforts to produce quality human capital to support the development of the state and the nation.

Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis said among the initiatives implemented is the introduction of the Ujian Penilaian Dual Language Programme (UP-DLP) Sarawak for primary school students.

According to him, the UP-DLP aims to assess the level of mastery of students, particularly in the English language subject, following the abolition of the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) and the Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR).

“The implementation of this measure will enable the government to identify weaknesses and subsequently introduce appropriate interventions to address them, helping students build confidence,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the Community Development Programme organised by the Sri Aman District Council (MDSA) at Rumah Reggie Beria, San Kemantan, Undop, here, recently.

The Simanggang Assemblyman also explained that efforts to develop human capital are further strengthened through various education initiatives by the Sarawak Government including the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), book vouchers, the Free Laptop Scheme, the Sarawak Returning Graduate Initiative, and the special assistance for Sarawak students, among others.

He added that the government has established Sarawak Skills in Simanggang, which offers various courses tailored to current labour market demands for secondary school leavers.

In addition, Datuk Francis said Sarawak Skills also provides short-term courses for the local community to enhance their knowledge in specific fields.

In this regard, he expressed hope that Sarawakians continue to provide strong support to the Sarawak Government under the leadership of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg to realise the vision and mission of state development.

Earlier, the MDSA Community Development Programme focused on awareness of cleanliness and community wellbeing in longhouses where residents listened to several talks presented by government agencies.

Among the topics covered were drug abuse, prevention of infectious diseases, updates on welfare assistance schemes and the importance of village shop licenses. -UKASnews