KUCHING: Mastery in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) needs to be continuously empowered to ensure that the Sarawak Bumiputera can compete in a future economy that is increasingly driven by technology and innovation.

Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the development of highly skilled human capital is among the main factors in realizing Sarawak's aspiration to become a developed, high-income state by the year 2030.

He noted that mastery of STEM and TVET is vital to prevent a wider economic gap and to ensure that the Bumiputera are not left behind in seizing high-value job opportunities.

“In educational transformation, it is extremely important for the Sarawak Bumiputera community to emphasize mastery in STEM subjects and also TVET to avoid a wider economic gap.

“The tendency to only choose easy subjects at the college and university levels without assessing a strong market will cause the Bumiputera workforce to risk missing out on high-value job opportunities, while golden opportunities in high-impact industrial sectors will be dominated by other more competent parties,” he said in his 2026 Hari Gawai Dayak message on Sunday.

In line with this, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi urged all leaders and parents within the Bumiputera community to play a role as key motivators in guiding the younger generation to choose educational pathways that align with current needs.

According to him, although the fields of STEM and TVET are often perceived as challenging, mastery in these areas is capable of unlocking more career opportunities and enhancing the competitiveness of the local workforce. — UKASnews

Translator: Ryan Lim