MIRI: An Indigenous Youth Empowerment Expo will be held hhere next month to provide rural and indigenous students equal access to universities, training programmes and career opportunities.
The expo, scheduled for April 12 at the Miri City Stadium, is organised by the Sarawak Indigenous Intellectual Association (Perantis) in collaboration with the Sarawak Regional Skills Development Department (JPKWS) and the Miri Parliamentary Service Centre to prepare SPM and STPM school leavers.
In a statement Perantis chairman Spancer Biondy Raymond Ramba, said the expo will provide essential guidance to help students make informed career choices, ensuring they adapt to the evolving education system and job market demands.
“The expo will focus on providing guidance and direction, which are crucial for this group, as making the wrong pathway choice can lead to problems in the future.
“This strategy is essential due to the evolving education system and career demands, which emphasise a balance between both aspects,” he said.
Additionally, he said the expo offers SPM and STPM school leavers the opportunity to explore education and career paths that match their qualifications and interests.
“Through exposure to this programme, SPM and STPM school leavers in general, whether they have achieved excellent academic results or otherwise, will have the opportunity to choose courses or fields of education that align with their qualifications and interests.
“It will also include training opportunities in soft skills or technical skills that are suitable for their qualifications and interests, as well as support services throughout their diploma or degree education,” he said.
Furthermore, he said the expo will help students make informed education and career choices.
“The expo will focus on helping students and youth make informed decisions on course or career selection to navigate the increasingly competitive job market.
“The current job market requires a sustainable workforce with attitude, skills and knowledge.
“Therefore, graduates must acquire additional skills to compete in the highly competitive job market.
“Graduates should know that academic achievements no longer guarantee securing a position that matches their qualifications.
“Thus, we want to ensure that the organisation of this programme serves as guidance and direction for students and school leavers, enabling them to make wise decisions without wasting time or financial resources,” he said.
Spancer believes that career planning will make it easier for graduates to receive the proper guidance for their future.
“The more information one obtains regarding their chosen career, the better their career planning will be,” he said.
The Indigenous Youth Empowerment Expo Miri 2025 will bring together a diverse range of educational institutions and training centres, namely Yahos School of Skills, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Teknologi MARA Sarawak (UiTM), Curtin University Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS), Swinburne University, Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Sarawak, Kolej Vokasional Miri, Institut Pertanian Sarawak (IPS), Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran Wilayah Sarawak (JPKWS), Institut Kemahiran Bintulu (IKM), ADTEC Bintulu, Institut Latihan Perindustrian Miri (ILP), Institut Teknologi Riam, PPKS Miri, PTPTN Sarawak, My Future Job (PERKESO), and IG Training Centre.
