LAWAS: The Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development’s (MEITD’s) Outreach Programme is described as an important platform to strengthen human capital development.
Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, stressed that education is the main thrust of the state’s development, in line with the aspirations of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“Education is not just a sector, but a pillar of Sarawak’s economy, society and future. A great state is not only measured by its wealth of natural resources, but by the quality of its people,” he said in his speech during the programme held recently.
He also emphasised the importance of innovation, technology and the development of highly skilled human capital in meeting the challenges of the Industrial Revolution 4.0.
Among the government’s initiatives is the establishment of the Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC) and the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) with the aim to empower research and application of new technologies.
Meanwhile, Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, said that this outreach programme provides comprehensive access to information on higher education opportunities, skills training, and TVET pathways for students, especially in rural areas.
“This programme is not just an event, but a recovery platform to restore hope and open a path for those who are close to dropping out.
“It includes various initiatives, including free tuition programme (SEEP), free education scheme (FTES), scholarships, digital education incentives as well as academic pathway support and skills relevant to industry needs,” said Sagah.
According to him, the collaboration of institutions such as Sarawak Skills, CENTEXS and Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS) is very important in providing early exposure to students about career opportunities, scholarships and technical education that can secure the future.
