KUCHING: Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates in Sarawak should view their skills qualifications as the starting point for higher career pathways, rather than being limited to entry-level technical jobs.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the state's new generation of workers must be bold in aiming for professional positions, including engineers and corporate managers, in line with the changing structure of the economy and the emergence of high-tech industries.
"So, to the graduates, the future belongs to you, because we are old and it is today's graduates who will take over from us.
"Graduates can start as technicians before moving up to higher positions such as corporate managers and corporate engineers," he said.
He said this when speaking at the 28th Sarawak Skills Convocation Ceremony here on Thursday.
According to him, Sarawak's economic transformation requires a succeeding generation that not only possesses technical skills, but is also capable of taking on greater roles in industry management and development.
"I hope today's graduates will succeed and propel Sarawak to become the most developed state in Malaysia," he added.
Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari explained that technological developments such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and renewable energy will change job requirements, opening up opportunities for the local workforce to advance their professional standing.
Accordingly, he stressed the importance of providing training that is relevant to industry needs so that graduates are not left behind in the changing employment landscape. -UKASnews
Prepared by: Jonnie Kiew
Photos: Muhammad Rais Sanusi
Translator: Uilson Ng
