KUCHING: A new collaboration between Asia Pacific Professional Development (APPD), Centexs and Curtin University Malaysia is set to strengthen Sarawak’s workforce through a series of executive certificate programmes designed for working professionals and industry leaders.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on Monday (June 29) will pave the way for the introduction of four executive-level programmes focusing on forensic accounting, agriculture, women’s leadership and entrepreneurship, with tourism management expected to be introduced as a fifth programme in the near future.
The programmes are expected to begin in Kuching, serving as a pilot initiative before being expanded to other parts of Sarawak and potentially the wider Asean region.
APPD managing director Dr Michael Sim described the collaboration as a landmark initiative aimed at expanding continuous education opportunities for professionals at managerial level and above.
“We are equipping managers in areas such as forensic accounting and agriculture knowledge, while also introducing programmes in women’s leadership and entrepreneurship,” he said during the signing ceremony.
He added that the agriculture programme would be conducted in Miri to utilise Curtin University’s research laboratory facilities, with experts involved in delivering practical and hands-on training.
“This is the first executive programme in these specialised areas. We are bringing together the best resources to strengthen human capital, particularly in sectors Sarawak is now focusing on, such as agriculture,” he said.
Meanwhile, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Officer of Curtin Malaysia, Professor Vincent Lee said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to talent development and workforce upskilling.
“All these programmes are designed not only to cultivate talent but also to align with Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, while enhancing the capabilities of the existing workforce,” he said.
He added that the initiative would also boost investor confidence by ensuring Sarawak has the skilled talent needed to support future development.
The collaboration is also expected to support the state’s efforts in building a future-ready workforce capable of meeting the demands of emerging industries and regional economic growth.
