LAWAS: Graduates of the Centre of Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) Lawas have achieved an employability rate of 98 per cent.
Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Abdul Ghani said that since CENTEXS Lawas began operations in 2018 at its temporary site, the institution has offered four core programmes—Wireman Plus, Basic Fashion Technology, Professional Diploma in Hair Design & Make-Up, and Oil & Gas Construction Crew (Onshore & Offshore).
To date, a total of 792 students have been trained.
He noted that CENTEXS graduates have secured jobs with major companies, proving the institution’s vital role in driving economic growth in northern Sarawak by developing a highly skilled workforce aligned with local industry needs and the state’s development agenda under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“With CENTEXS established in Northern Sarawak, especially in Lawas, young people no longer need to bear the high costs of travelling far to pursue technical training.
“The presence of CENTEXS has created easier access to quality technology education closer to home, tailored to the needs of local industries, government agencies, communities, and international partners in building a skilled workforce for Lawas, Limbang, Sabah, and Brunei,” he said during the launching of the CENTEXS Lawas Campus on Monday (Aug 25).
The campus was officially inaugurated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Morshidi added that the new campus offers 22 programmes, including Certificate in Ruminant Farming Management (Buffalo), Certificate in High Rope, Working and Rescue at Height, Foundation Certificate in Digital Marketing, Huawei Data Centre & Network Equipment Hardware Installation Specialist, and Huawei FTTX OSP Hardware Installation Specialist, along with 17 other internationally certified courses under institutions such as Huawei and The Welding Institute (TWI).
He highlighted that the Certificate in Ruminant Farming Management (Buffalo) is a key programme supporting the new buffalo breeding industry at the Maragang Buffalo Breeding Station.
It incorporates ruminant technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloning technology in livestock farming.
Recognising the importance of AI, Morshidi said CENTEXS has embedded “ethical AI Inside” into all its programmes.
“Students are not only introduced to various AI-based applications relevant to their fields of study but are also guided to understand the ethical aspects of using them,” he explained.
The new campus can accommodate up to 700 students, with 16 lecture rooms, eight workshops, and facilities such as a hostel for 100 students.
“We have also provided a dining hall, two academic blocks—Universal Technology Academy and Oil & Gas and Smart Electrical Academy—an administration building, and a guardhouse. Overall, the construction of CENTEXS Lawas cost RM45 million,” he said.
The event also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between CENTEXS and Sarawak Media Group Sdn Bhd (SMG).
The collaboration focuses on staff upskilling at SMG, TVS, and media vendors, workplace training for CENTEXS students, and joint involvement in Technology Testbed projects at CENTEXS.
