DBNA to focus on TVET for Bidayuh students

KUCHING: The Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) is set to strengthen its educational role by focusing on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and career guidance for Bidayuh students.
 
DBNA president Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik said DBNA already has a regular team conducting Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination clinics and providing career guidance for students, aimed at improving academic preparedness and helping candidates understand subject requirements and examination strategies.
 
Moving forward, he said the association is placing greater focus on TVET as well as technical education, in line with national and state workforce needs, particularly in sectors requiring practical and industry-relevant skills and long-term economic development of rural communities across Sarawak.
 
He noted that Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn has consistently emphasised TVET when engaging with rural communities during his outreach visits across villages, reinforcing the message that technical education is a key pathway for future employment.
 
Ik Pahon said DBNA is fortunate to have such strong advocacy at the government level, as it reinforces the importance of steering Bidayuh youths towards technical pathways that offer practical skills and sustainable employment opportunities, while also addressing the evolving needs of the economy.
 
In the future, DBNA can play a stronger role by intensifying awareness programmes at community level, strengthening career counselling services in schools, and working closely with parents and students to shift perceptions that academic routes are the only option.
 
He said exposure to TVET should begin early, so students can better understand available pathways after secondary school and make informed decisions based on their interests and abilities.
 
“Continued collaboration between community organisations, educators and policymakers will be key to ensuring Bidayuh students are equipped for a rapidly changing job market, especially as industries become more technology-driven and demand more skilled technical workers, as well as ensuring equal access to guidance and training opportunities in rural areas,” he added.
 
Overall, DBNA’s education initiatives are expected to remain an important bridge in guiding young Bidayuhs from secondary education into higher learning institutions, technical colleges and skills-based training pathways, ensuring they are not left behind in the broader development of Sarawak.
 
Ik Pahon said such efforts will help build a more resilient and future-ready Bidayuh workforce aligned with Sarawak’s development agenda.