KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has greenlit RM20 million for the Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) to implement an apprenticeship programme aimed at upskilling small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
He said the funding would allow SBF to adjust its existing initiative by linking SMEs with larger companies through an internship-style approach, enabling them to learn systems and standards before becoming qualified suppliers.
He expressed optimism that this shift from pure recovery to apprenticeships and upskilling would strengthen SMEs’ role in value chains and prepare them for future growth.
“The last RM20 million is for you to recover, but if possible, adjust the programme.
“It should now be on apprenticeship, where SMEs are attached to big companies, and once they have the expertise, they will supply with the quality needed.
“I hope before December, before the end of this year, you will get that cheque of RM20 million to finance and adjust your programme,” he said when officiating the Premier of Sarawak Industry Excellence Award (PSIEA) here last night (Oct 3).
In 2021, SBF had also received a one-off RM20 million Business Recovery Assistance Fund from the state government to assist its affiliates in capacity building and enterprise development programmes.
As such, Abang Johari said Sarawak had already moved beyond pandemic recovery.
He stressed that the state now needed to focus on strengthening its economy through skills development, circular economy practices, and downstream industries.
“We are no longer in the recovery stage. Our economy is now more sophisticated, including in the circular economy and downstream sectors.
“With this, we can move forward towards achieving beyond 2030,” he added.
The Premier asserted that the apprenticeship programme would support Sarawak’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 by accelerating talent development and preparing the workforce for a more advanced and competitive economy.
