KUCHING: Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd recently celebrated the graduation of 16 apprentices from its Young Talent Programme (YTP), strengthening the pool of local engineering talent for the state’s public transport industry.
The graduates, from the programme’s third cohort, have completed a rigorous two-year apprenticeship under Sarawak Metro’s Socio-Economic Enhancement Development (SEED) Programme and have been absorbed as full-time employees.
Sarawak Metro’s Chief Executive Officer, Ts Mazli Mustaffa, congratulated the graduates, describing the completion of the two-year programme as a significant achievement.
“Today is not only a celebration of your achievements, but also a new beginning as you join Sarawak Metro’s professional workforce.
“As the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project enters a critical stage, your role will be significant in ensuring its successful and timely implementation,” he said.
Mazli also acknowledged the strong mentorship provided by experienced engineers and specialists, noting that knowledge transfer and professional guidance were key pillars of the programme’s success.
Meanwhile, SEED Programme’s Director, Alexius Barieng, said the latest batch represents a diverse and highly specialised group of young professionals trained in integration, sustainability, safety and digitalisation.
“They are not just supporting the project; they are helping to shape the future of urban mobility in Sarawak.
“Their journey reflects Sarawak Metro’s commitment to developing industry-ready and globally exposed talent for this new transportation ecosystem,” he said.
During the ceremony, Mazli presented certificates and specially designed jackets to the graduates.
Afiqah Mohammed Yunus received the Best Apprentice Award while Ahmad Yusri Ahmad Yusuf was honoured with the Best Mentor Award.
Throughout the programme, apprentices underwent extensive on-the-job training across multiple technical disciplines, including rolling stock, civil works, operations engineering, signalling, communications systems, hydrogen feeder bus systems, and systems assurance.
Selected apprentices were also attached to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), where they participated in preliminary design reviews and prototype testing of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) hydrogen vehicles under the KUTS project.
Since its introduction in 2021, the YTP has provided opportunities to 41 young local engineers, with another 17 apprentices currently undergoing training and scheduled to complete their apprenticeship by the end of this year.
