KUCHING: The Sarawak Government is placing strong emphasis on human capital development through the implementation of the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) to meet growing workforce demands of emerging low-carbon industries.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said apart from infrastructure and energy resources, a highly skilled workforce is an important element in the success of the state's economic transformation agenda.

“What we need now are green processes and human capital capable of supporting such development.

“In response to this need, the government is introducing free tertiary education to upskill and reskill our workforce,” he said when officiating the SWG Green Complex & Decarbon Hub in Demak Laut, here, on Monday.

According to the Sarawak Premier, the move is crucial so that Sarawakians can play a role in new sectors that have emerged as a result of the global transition to a low-carbon economy.

He added that human capital development will be a key factor in ensuring that Sarawak can fully take advantage of the economic opportunities created through the development of green industries and the use of low-carbon energy.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, SWG Energy Group Chairman Dato Sri Abang Abdul Karim Tun Datuk Abang Openg, Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy and PETROS) Datuk Ibrahim Baki, Chief Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel and other dignitaries. -UKASnews