Sarawak, Australia's Northern Territory launch education collaboration
(From left) Anielia, Sagah, Cahill and Chan reading the Northern Territory International Student Handbook. – Photo by Aileen Yap
KUCHING (June 25): Sarawak and Australia's Northern Territory have taken a strategic step toward deepening collaboration in education and talent development, following the launch of the Australia's Northern Territory Education Forum here today.
The forum was officiated by State Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, who emphasised the significance of cross-regional cooperation to support future-ready workforce development.
Sagah highlighted the initiative as timely and necessary, especially given Sarawak's rapid growth in sectors such as energy, construction, digital economy, and manufacturing.
He noted that the Sarawak government has set an ambitious target of 500,000 skilled workers by 2030, requiring the state to produce at least 30,000 new skilled individuals annually.
'Education and talent development are critical to this effort,' he emphasised.
The forum marked the Northern Territory Government's inaugural visit to Malaysia, represented by Minister for International Education, Migration and Population, Robyn Cahill OAM, who also serves as Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations.
'Sarawak is our very first stop and we see enormous opportunity here, especially in vocational training where both our regions face similar challenges in attracting youth,' said Cahill.
She stressed that shared geography, multicultural communities, and mutual development goals make Sarawak and the Northern Territory natural partners in advancing education, student mobility, and institutional partnerships.
Cahill also acknowledged the untapped potential for Sarawak to become a major source of international students for the Northern Territory.
'We currently have over 5,500 international students in the Northern Territory, but Sarawak has yet to be among the top source countries – a gap we aim to change through structured pathways and institutional partnerships,' she said.
In addition to tertiary pathways, both ministers highlighted joint potential in teacher training, capacity-building, and joint research initiatives especially in indigenous education and regional inclusion.
Cahill expressed hopes for improved direct air links between Sarawak and Darwin (Northern Territory's capital city), to support future student and business exchanges.
'We are laying the foundation not just for the next few years, but for the next 50, 100, or 200 years,' she said.
'We want to grow together – for the benefit of our young people, our communities, and our shared region.'
Among the attendees were Sarawak Australia Business Chamber president Rodger Chan and
State Ministry for Education, Innovation and Talent Development deputy permanent secretary, Anielia Siam. Australia's Northern Territory collaboration education Roland Sagah
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