BINTULU: Youths are urged to plan their educational direction by emphasising the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) which are now the main drivers of the needs of high-tech industries in Sarawak.

Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department and Kakus Assemblyman Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai said that the rapid development of the industrial sector, especially in Samalaju, requires more skilled and semi-skilled workers in technical and technological fields.

According to him, choosing an appropriate and focused field of study can increase the marketability of graduates, thus reducing the gap between industry needs and local labor supply.

“Technical skills are now a major industry need and offer more stable career opportunities.

“This is a great opportunity for local youth to build a future in the industrial sector in their own area,” he said when speaking at the Juh Ngopi Programme with the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) in Tatau on Thursday.

He also stressed that there are students who still choose general fields of study without considering the needs of the current job market, thus making it difficult for them to penetrate the increasingly competitive job market.

In this regard, he called on parents and schools to play a proactive role in guiding students to make strategic educational decisions that are in line with the state’s economic needs.

Meanwhile, he encouraged youth in Bintulu and Tatau to take advantage of available education and skills training opportunities to improve their standard of living and family well-being.

He stressed that skills-based education not only empowers local human capital, but also directly contributes to the sustainable and competitive development of Sarawak’s economy.-UKASnews

Translator: Ryan Lim