LAWAS: Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is no longer seen as a second choice but has become a key pathway in producing skilled workers capable of meeting the country’s industrial needs.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan stressed that TVET plays a crucial role in developing the nation’s future talents while ensuring a continuous supply of highly skilled manpower to support Sarawak’s development agenda.
“Not every student excels academically. Excellence doesn’t only come from getting straight A’s, but also from skills and competence.
“TVET provides young people with the opportunity to build their future through hands-on training that aligns with their interests. Remember, it’s not about being less intelligent — we just have different ways of learning,” he said when officiating at the KEMAS Santunan Desa Sinergi Programme for Lawas District at Kampung Punang here recently.
Organised by the Lawas District Community Development Department (KEMAS), the programme aimed to strengthen collaboration between government agencies and the local community in empowering the potential of rural residents.
Awang Tengah also expressed his appreciation to KEMAS for its continued commitment in implementing various socio-economic development programmes, including KEMAS preschools and nurseries (TABIKA and TASKA), as well as skills training in sewing, cooking, computer literacy, personal grooming, and entrepreneurship.
“Such programmes are important because they not only enhance knowledge and skills but also build self-identity and confidence among rural communities to become contributors to the state’s progress,” he added.
According to Awang Tengah, the state government through institutions such as the Sarawak Centre of Technical Excellence (CENTEXS), Community Colleges, and other technical institutions continues to provide opportunities for youths to pursue skills training in line with current industry needs.
He encouraged rural youths to take advantage of training opportunities offered by KEMAS in various fields such as cooking, sewing, personal grooming, handicrafts, and computer skills.
“TVET enables young people to quickly adapt to the working world and become competitive entrepreneurs,” he said.
The KEMAS Santunan Desa Sinergi Programme featured various activities such as the Rahmah MADANI sales, government agency exhibitions, local entrepreneur stalls, Jom Masuk Kampung programme, Youth Exploration Camp, Independence Patriotism Camp, and Wacana Wanita Inspirasiku (WINS).
