KUCHING: The role of student counsellors has never been more vital in the current climate, as they are the frontliner ambassadors of career discovery, said Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
He said that his ministry is committed to efforts in broadening the counsellors’ knowledge on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and higher pathways, enhancing their career counselling skills, and expanding their exposure to the vast opportunities in their industries and TVET institutions.
“The time for conventional counselling alone is over. We need you, the counsellors, to guide our students not just in getting a job, but to a fulfilling, future-proof career path.
“I must congratulate PETROS for establishing the Sarawak Oil and Gas Industry Capability Council. This is a powerful demonstration of industry leadership.
“My message to all other industries is clear: follow this initiative,” he said.
He said this in his speech during the closing of the Career Message System (SPEAK) Phase 2 programme at Raia Hotel and Convention Centre today.
Sagah added that the ministry’s commitment is to create a seamless ecosystem, and urged industries to actively link with the Student Counsellors under the State Education Department (JPNS) through the SPEAK platform to directly co-create career paths for the students.
“We call on industries to take full advantage of HRDF levies for upskilling and reskilling their current workforce, embedding the spirit of lifelong learning,” he added.
In the meantime, Education, Innovation and Talent Development Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Adana Jed, said the SPEAK programme is a commitment to develop the state’s human capital through an online platform that provides career information, further education opportunities, and TVET skills training from local institutions.
“It is designed specifically for the children of Sarawak, particularly school leavers and job seekers.
“SPEAK ensures that every individual who registers for the system will gain comprehensive access to help them to pursue their career dreams without missing out on opportunities.
“Currently, SPEAK has a registration rate of only 24 per cent in the Kuching, Serian, and Samarahan Divisions, with just 16 counsellors registered from 68 schools.
“Therefore, this programme is conducted to encourage greater participation to ensure that information is delivered more effectively and efficiently in the future.
“A key outcome of the programme was a significant increase in teacher registrations for the system. We recorded 12 new teacher registrations, which has doubled the total number of registered teachers to 24,” he added.
Adana added that the programme plays a vital role in forging a direct connection between local talent and career opportunities especially in high-impact sectors.
“This initiative ensures that the education and training received by Sarawakians remain relevant and aligned with the real-time demands of the current industry,” he said.
