MIRI: Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) must be positioned at the heart of Sarawak’s transition towards a green economy.
In stressing this, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, said the state’s ambition to become a regional leader in renewable energy, particularly hydrogen, hinges on nurturing a skilled workforce through early exposure to technical training.
“TVET needs to be introduced much earlier within the education system, especially for students who are less inclined towards mainstream academic pathways,” he said at the launch of a seminar themed ‘Strengthening TVET Education in the Era of Hydrogen and Green Technology’ here today.
Drawing comparisons with Germany, where students are channelled into vocational streams from a young age, Dr Annuar noted that in Sarawak, vocational colleges are only available after Form Three and remain limited in capacity.
“To support our green economy ambitions, we must expand the number of vocational colleges and broaden courses in renewable energy and green technologies,” he added.
Among the challenges identified are inadequate facilities, a shortage of certified trainers, and the need to develop a complete ecosystem to ensure students graduate with recognised skills qualifications.
Dr Annuar also highlighted the urgency of equipping young Sarawakians with knowledge of hydrogen energy, a cornerstone of the state’s future energy agenda.
“This seminar is about raising awareness among our youth. The future of Sarawak’s energy will be powered by hydrogen and green technologies. They must be prepared to meet the demands of tomorrow’s industries,” he said.
The one-day seminar, organised by Kolej Vokasional Miri in collaboration with Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, drew some 150 Form Five and Form Six students from ten secondary schools across the city.
Industry experts delivered insights on hydrogen, green technologies, and sustainable development strategies aligned with the state’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
Speakers included Professor Dr Leo Sing Lim of i-CATS University College, Abang Mohd Arif Anaqi Abang Isa of CENTEXS, and Audrey Piros from the Sarawak Economic Planning Unit.
