TATAU: The Project of Dreams Realized (PRO-DR) Roadshow is helping expand access to higher education, technical training and career opportunities for students, particularly those in rural areas.
Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Sri John Sikie Tayai said the initiative, organised by the Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas), reflects the state government’s commitment to ensuring no child is left behind in the state’s development.
“We want to ensure that no Sarawakian child is left behind. Every child, whether in urban or rural areas, must be given equal opportunities to access education, skills training and career pathways,” he said in a news report by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
The Kakus assemblyman was officiating at the PRO-DR Roadshow Series 11/2026 at the open hall of SMK Tatau here yesterday (Jul 13).
Sikie said Sarawak’s rapid growth in sectors such as the digital economy, advanced technology, renewable energy, high-value manufacturing and modern agriculture has increased demand for a highly skilled workforce.
He said the Human Resource Development and Management Unit (HRDMU) continues to assess the state’s workforce requirements to ensure they align with economic development, while placing emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as well as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
Sikie also highlighted that 2026 marks a significant milestone with the implementation of the Sarawak government’s free tertiary education initiative at state-owned higher education institutions for eligible Sarawakian students, describing it as a testament to the government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education.
He encouraged students to make full use of the roadshow by exploring education pathways, financial assistance and career opportunities, while gaining a better understanding of their strengths to help plan their future.
He also called on parents, teachers and community leaders to continue guiding young people to seize new opportunities and develop the skills needed for the future.
For the record, the programme brought together Form Five and Form Six students from SMK Tatau, SMK Sebauh, SJKC Chung Hua Tatau and SK Tatau.
The roadshow, which began on July 6, covers 10 selected locations across Sarawak and features participation from institutions including Open University Malaysia (OUM), Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS), i-CATS University, Advanced Technology College (ADTEC), Sarawak Skills, Kolej Laila Taib, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (ABIM), which provided exhibition booths and education and career advisory services.
