KUCHING: There is an urgent need for technologists and technicians in the face of Sarawak’s ambitious economic and industrial transformation plans, says Energy and Environmental Sustainability Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.
He said this was in line with the Sarawak Energy Transition Plan (SET-P), the Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap 2035 (SHER) and the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint (SSB).
He explained that these policies provided a clear framework for Sarawakians to harness and monetise the state’s natural resources, while at the same time contributing to efforts to mitigate climate change.
“What we need now urgently is the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) maintenance. ART, you know, starts next year in Kuching, so that is very urgent.
“After that, we will be requiring more for our hydrogen plants, including the one in Bintulu.
“One of our conditions for setting up plants such as by the Sumitomo Corporation, the Hornbill project and Hibiscus Hydrogen plant is that the investor must provide in-house training to locals to produce more technicians,” he said.
He said this at a press conference after officiating at the opening of the Sustainable and Valuable Energy Conference (SAVE) 2025 representing Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at a hotel, here today (Aug 12).
Hazland said Sarawak aimed to produce at least 10,000 technologists by 2030, with the figure expected to rise to 80,000 in the longer term.
With between 3,500 and 4,000 Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) leavers annually, he said focusing even half of them towards technical and vocational education and training (TVET) would put Sarawak on track to meet its target.
“The most important thing is for technologists to be in line with Sarawak’s plans, strategies and roadmaps so that we can plan.
“With all the initiatives laid out by the state government, we can provide free tertiary education next year in five state-owned universities, focusing on technical and TVET courses.
“It is something that is in line with our whole master plan, to produce as many technicians as possible,” he added.
At present, he said Sarawak had established cooperation with China to develop technological expertise and train hydrogen technicians.
“We have already started training locals to become hydrogen technicians.
“Later on, there will be more and more, and we will assess the needs and requirements as they arise,” he said.
