KUCHING: PETRONAS' education-sponsored initiative is viewed as capable of providing a highly skilled workforce that Sarawak needs to realise its aspirations of achieving the status of a developed and high-income state by 2030.

Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said that education plays a crucial role in the development of human capital that can contribute to the progress of the state and the nation.

"In an effort to realise the aspirations of the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, Sarawak needs a highly skilled workforce, which is innovative and ready to face future challenges.

"Through initiatives like this, more professionals and future leaders can be produced to lead the development of the state," he said.

He said this when speaking at the PETRONAS Education Sponsorship Award Ceremony Empowering Sarawak Knowledge 2026 which took place at a hotel here on Wednesday.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of the wife of the Sarawak Governor Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi who also presented awards to the recipients of the sponsorship.

In the meantime, Dato Sri Roland Sagah expressed his appreciation to PETRONAS for its continued commitment to support education and talent development, particularly through various sponsorship initiatives and human capital development.

According to him, the progress of the state also depends on the ability of the young generation to develop expertise, integrity values and a strong identity.

He also advised the recipients to make the most of the educational opportunities provided, in addition to gaining experience and skills that can be used to contribute to the development of the state and the nation in the future.

At the same time, he recognised the role of parents, guardians and educators in supporting student success and forming a knowledgeable and competitive young generation.

Also present were Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah and Senior General Manager, Education and Human Capital Investment Department, PETRONAS Group Human Resource Management Akmal Niza Ahmad. -UKASnews