SARIKEI: A new Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) institution here has been approved, expanding opportunities for technical training and skilled human capital development in the division.
Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the institution is important in providing closer access to technical education, particularly for youths in Sarikei and surrounding areas.
He said Tanjung Manis had been proposed as the location for the institution, although the final site was still under consideration.
“The opening of the new bridge in Sarikei has shortened the travel distance between Sarikei and Tanjung Manis, thereby improving connectivity and facilitating the movement of residents between the two areas,” he told a press conference held in conjunction with the Sarawakku Sayang (SKS) 2026 programme Sarikei Division here recently.
He added that whether the institution was eventually located in Tanjung Manis or Sarikei was not the main issue, as greater priority should be given to the courses to be offered.
Len Talif said the training programmes should be tailored to the needs of the community and industry to ensure that the skills acquired have market value.
“The courses to be offered by CENTEXS will be structured based on the needs and demands of the local community to ensure that the training provided truly benefits the community,” he said.
At the same time, he said the establishment of the institution was expected to provide more opportunities for locals to pursue technical and skills training without having to depend on institutions outside the area.
He said the initiative could help meet the demand for skilled workers in line with the growth of economic sectors and new development in Sarikei and its surrounding areas.
