BETONG: In a bid to expedite the development of the permanent campus for the Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) in Betong, Betong Member of Parliament, Datuk Dr Richard Rapu, has called for unnecessary bureaucratic red tape to be avoided.
According to him, after six years since CENTEXS Betong was established, it is time for this technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institution in central Sarawak to have a permanent campus.
“The effort to establish a permanent CENTEXS Betong campus is highly significant at this moment, especially with the Sarawak government’s focus on exploring new economic sectors that require a skilled workforce.
“As such, I hope the establishment proceeds smoothly following Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s approval of the permanent campus last year.
“And, avoid bureaucratic delays so the campus development can be expedited,” he said.
Richard stated this during the CENTEXS Betong 2025 Hari Raya gathering held at Dewan Panglima Rentap last night.
He also informed that the site for the campus has been identified.
He described CENTEXS Betong as having played a very active role throughout its six years of operation.
“Not only through its main training programmes at the campus, but also through the Community Technology Outreach Programme (CTOP), an initiative involving collaboration with communities to develop skills and provide income-generating opportunities.
“In the future, I hope diploma programmes can also be introduced at CENTEXS Betong, especially those with entrepreneurial elements to boost the community’s economy,” he added.
Meanwhile, CENTEXS Betong Manager, Dr Andrew Emparan, shared that from 2019 to 2024, a total of 375 trainees have completed their training, while 76 trainees are currently active.
“For the April 2025 intake, we expect around 76 new trainees to register on 28 April 2025.
“We are offering eight main training programmes covering various fields, including Basic Fashion Technology (Sewing), Wiremen Plus (Electrical), Professional Diploma in Hair and Makeup Design, Basic Certificate in Commercial Cooking, Hospitality Certification, Basic Patisserie and Bakery Certificate, Plantation Worker Skills Course, and Basic Certificate in Digital Marketing.
“Through CTOP, since its inception in 2019, a total of 2,703 community members across Sarawak have received training through this programme, covering 123 different types of courses,” he said.
The Hari Raya gathering, themed ‘Warna-Warna Aidilfitri’, was attended by strategic partners, alumni, and CENTEXS Betong trainees.
