KUCHING: Sarawak Skills is expanding its Language Centre to strengthen multilingual proficiency among its students so that they can compete in the global job market.
It is also aimed at supporting Sarawak’s digital and economic transformation agenda under the Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
According to Executive Director, Hallman Sabri, the expansion will begin at the Kuching campus before being extended to other divisions next year.
“Kuching is our main hub with over a thousand students, while other divisions are still smaller.
“So we’re focusing here first, then gradually expanding across Sarawak,” he said during an interview at the Sarawak Skills Open Day and TVET Innovation Carnival 2025, Tuesday (Oct 28).
The Language Centre, which currently offers English and Mandarin, will soon include Arabic and French as part of the institution’s effort to embed language learning within technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes.
“We aim to make languages part of the skills curriculum, so that when our students graduate, they can communicate fluently in multiple languages,” Hallman explained.
Additionally, he said strong language skills, especially in English and Mandarin, are essential for graduates entering an increasingly interconnected world.
“English remains the international language of business and technology, while Mandarin is vital as China continues to grow as a global economic power,” he said.
Hallman said that many Sarawak Skills students who went to China for further studies previously struggled due to language barriers.
The new Mandarin courses aim to bridge that gap and ensure future students are better prepared.
“We found that students who were sent to China couldn’t speak Mandarin and faced difficulties adapting.
“So we want to ensure they at least have basic communication skills before they go,” he said.
He added that future plans include embedding the Language Centre’s offerings directly into TVET programmes, making multilingualism a key component of technical education.
The initiative aligns with Sarawak Skills’ broader goal of producing a globally competent and industry-ready workforce capable of navigating digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and cross-border collaboration.
“The world is changing fast with digital and AI advancements. Our role is to ensure students can adapt, innovate, and communicate effectively, both locally and globally,” Hallman said.
Sarawak Skills, which currently offers 12 training programmes, will hold its 27th convocation ceremony at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Nov 3, where more than 600 graduates from across Sarawak will receive their certificates.
Hallman expressed appreciation to the Premier of Sarawak, who will once again officiate the ceremony, for his continued support of TVET development.
“The Premier’s presence reflects the State government’s strong commitment to technical education and the importance of TVET in advancing Sarawak’s progress,” he said.
