Premier: Education, talent development remain pillars of Sarawak's growth
KUCHING (July 5): Education and human capital development remain as key pillars in Sarawak's development agenda, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said both areas form the foundation for transforming the state's socio-economic landscape through talent cultivation, innovation, and community empowerment, in line with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
He noted that efforts under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) 2021–2025 have already begun to bear fruit, especially in enhancing the education ecosystem, expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and promoting a culture of innovation.
'Looking ahead, the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) 2026–2030 will represent the final phase of PCDS 2030's implementation.
'Preparations are underway through consultations involving various ministries, industries, academic institutions, and civil society to ensure a comprehensive, inclusive, and forward-looking strategy with human capital development at its core.
'Overall, 13MP will prioritise education and skills development to meet the needs of a knowledge-based economy.
'By nurturing a future-ready workforce and strengthening local innovation, we aim to elevate Sarawak's global competitiveness and the quality of life of its people,' he said during the opening of the Sarawak Career and Training Fair 2025 (SCaT Fair 2025) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
His text-of-speech was read by State Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
Abang Johari further highlighted several state-led initiatives to strengthen the education and human capital sector, including the introduction of the Dual Language Programme Assessment Test (UP-DLP) for Year 6 pupils starting this October, covering Science, Mathematics, and English subjects.
'In line with our commitment to educational equity, we have also introduced the Sarawak Education Enhancement Programme (SEEP) under MEITD to support lower secondary students, especially those in Forms 3 to 5, who perform less well in the Academic Session Final Examination (UASA).
'SEEP's goal is to improve SPM outcomes, increase the number of students in the science stream, and ensure a pathway to higher education,' he said.
He also announced that starting next year, the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) will be rolled out at state-owned higher learning institutions, focusing on STEM and professional fields.
'This is a strategic investment in human capital and a signal that Sarawak is preparing a future-ready workforce,' he added.
The Premier also stressed that talent development extends beyond classroom learning. In this regard, the Industry Continuous Professional Development (iCPD) programme will continue, with this year's focus on training Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Coordinators.
On the exhibition itself, Abang Johari described SCaT Fair as a vital platform linking youth aspirations with real opportunities within Sarawak's growing innovation ecosystem—including digital economy, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and renewable energy sectors.
He also thanked MEITD and the Sarawak Foundation for Economic Empowerment (Tegas) for their continued efforts in organising the fair. . STEM abang johari education human capital development Roland Sagah
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