Latest news with #ImmigrationandProjectMonitoring
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier: Free Tertiary Education Scheme's long-term sustainability to be prioritised with any expansion plans
Abang Johari listens as Gerawat makes a point during the town hall session. MIRI (July 23): Any expansion of Sarawak's Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) must be carefully deliberated to ensure its long-term sustainability, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The Premier said this in response to questions from students during the town hall in conjunction with Sarawak Day here yesterday, where FTES was enthusiastically discussed. Abang Johari explained the tertiary institutions that will offer free education to Sarawakians next year are state-owned. 'We want to send 'Anak Sarawak' to these institutions and the latter's tuition fees will be taken care of by the state government. 'If we brazenly expand the initiative to other institutions, particularly those owned by the federal government, it might not be possible because they don't offer that,' he said. He pointed out that the state government decided to introduce the programme after improving its revenue from RM6 billion to over RM12 billion as this would ensure the programme could be a long-term one. 'Now that we are able to implement it, we are doing it carefully to make sure all Sarawakians can benefit from it,' he added. On his hope for the future of Sarawak and its development, Abang Johari said the younger generation should prepare themselves to lead. 'Self-confidence, discipline, social interaction skills, and the ability to work as a team are the four essential criteria that will shape Sarawak's future leaders,' he said. Abang Johari is seen in a group photo with the town hall attendees. These qualities are important not only for individual success, but also for building a resilient society that can adapt to rapid changes in technology, economy, and global dynamics, he stated. Abang Johari stressed that Sarawak's ongoing transformation agenda, particularly in digital economy, green energy (methanol production), and the recent launch of the KETEQ AI nano chip are among the government's efforts to improve and upgrade the state's economy to attract young Sarawakian talents to return to the state. He also reminded students that while artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most widely used technologies today and has the potential to ease many aspects of work, it must be approached with caution. 'Like deepfakes, imagine President Donald Trump speaks fluent Iban, it would be both absurd and alarming,' he said. He emphasised that using AI effectively requires not only a solid understanding of the technology, but also a strong ethical foundation and critical thinking skills as misusing AI could negatively impact society. The town hall session moderated by Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala was attended by over 1,500 including ministers and deputy ministers; students from 17 secondary schools and 11 public tertiary institutions; and representatives from 20 non-governmental organisations. Sarawak Day celebration minister in charge Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin presents a memento to Abang Johari. Also seen is Gerawat. Abang Johari Free Tertiary Education Scheme lead
Borneo Post
07-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Petronas workforce 'right-sizing' prompts calls for fairness, support measures
File photo for illustration purposes KUCHING (June 7): Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala has urged Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) to consider all alternatives before proceeding with its plan to lay off 5,000 employees. Speaking to The Borneo Post today, the Mulu assemblyman acknowledged that while Petronas may have its own justifications, retrenchment should be the last resort for any commercial organisation. 'There are other options Petronas can consider, such as offering a voluntary separation scheme (VSS), redeploying staff between departments — for example, from upstream to downstream — implementing temporary salary cuts, or initiating retraining programmes,' he said. 'Only employees who are truly redundant or surplus to requirements should be laid off. Any staff member who feels they have been unfairly dismissed under the guise of redundancy can challenge their termination in the Industrial Court.' When asked whether the layoffs were related to Sarawak Petroleum Berhad (Petros) being recognised as the state's gas aggregator, Gerawat declined to comment. However, the Sarawak Oil and Gas Workers Association (SOGWA) said they do not believe the move is a direct result of Petros' appointment, though acknowledged it may trigger a realignment within the industry. 'This change presents an opportunity for Sarawak to assert greater control over its oil and gas sector,' said SOGWA deputy chairman Keroana Johny Weiss. 'But if Sarawakians are among those affected by the layoffs, it will significantly impact local families and communities. 'Many of these workers are highly skilled and experienced professionals who have contributed significantly to the national oil and gas industry,' she stressed. 'Their displacement not only affects livelihoods but also risks a loss of valuable talent from Sarawak.' 'We strongly urge the Sarawak government to step in and provide structured support such as job placement programmes, upskilling initiatives, and inclusion in ongoing and future state led projects,' she said. 'This is vital to safeguard Sarawak's interests, retain our professional resources, and ensure Sarawakians continue to play a key role in managing and developing our state's natural wealth,' she added. Labour Law Reform Coalition (LLRC) deputy chairman Andrew Lo echoed similar sentiments. While acknowledging that layoffs can be inevitable in the corporate world, he stressed that they must be executed with fairness and transparency. 'What must done is that the layoff must be a last resort, be made in good faith, with full consultation with employees and their unions, adequate compensation and feasible options and assistance to those affected- transition and training for new jobs.' Voluntary and mutual agreeable exit schemes should be implemented instead of forced retrenchment, he added. Such schemes should be offered to everyone to minimise coercion and undue pressure on employees, Lo added. According to Bernama report on Thursday, Petronas President and Chief Executive Officer Tengku Tan Sri Muhammad Taufik Tengku Aziz has said that Petronas would cut about 10 per cent of its workforce as part of the national oil and gas company's 'right-sizing' and restructuring process. Muhammad Taufik also denied that the state-owned company would exit its business in Canada. Petronas had previously stated that it needs to 'right-size' its workforce to ensure the company's sustainability in the decades to come. Petronas has nearly 50,000 employees, according to its website. gerawat gala Keroana Johny Weiss Petronas right size workforce
Borneo Post
03-06-2025
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Gerawat urges KSH to support young athletes, explore sports tourism potential
Gerawat (centre) receives a souvenir from Romeo as Yii (third right), Dennis (third left) and others look on. MIRI (June 3): The Highlanders Sports Club (KSH) has been urged to take a more proactive role in helping young athletes access higher education and professional sports training through partnerships with local and international institutions. Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala, said KSH could serve as a key bridge connecting talented youths with sports academies such as Akademi Bola Sepak Malaysia, Bukit Jalil Sports School, and overseas universities offering sports scholarships. 'Our outstanding young athletes can pursue their academic and sporting ambitions simultaneously through these institutions,' he said during the closing ceremony of the Highlanders Sports Carnival held at the Federation of Orang Ulu Associations Malaysia (Forum) building at Jalan Padang Kerbau here last night. Gerawat, who is also Mulu assemblyman, encouraged KSH to broaden its outreach by actively participating in initiatives run by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. He pointed out that excelling in sports can open doors to opportunities that are just as rewarding as those in other professions. 'Some of our national footballers are earning up to RM20,000 per month. I am optimistic that one of our rising young golfers, Abigail Pearson, will continue to excel in State and National tournaments and eventually earn a scholarship to study in the United States, following in the footsteps of others before her,' he said. He further challenged KSH to explore the potential of sports tourism in the Kelabit Highlands through the organisation of events such as marathon runs, mountain biking, cross-country races and activities with groups like the Hash House Harriers. 'With the backing of Rurum Kelabit Sarawak as its umbrella body, KSH has the potential to innovate by identifying and promoting new sports tourism products. By networking with successful sports institutions, they can continue to inspire and attract youth participation,' he added. Gerawat also expressed hope that the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak would consider incorporating such initiatives into the state's tourism calendar for the coming year. Touching on the recently concluded Highlanders Games Carnival, held here from May 31 to June 2, he said 10 contingents from across the country participated in all 14 sports events. He reiterated that the carnival aimed to promote and strengthen the community's engagement in sports, emphasising the need for unity within the Kelabit community, which constitutes less than one per cent of Malaysia's population. 'As a small community, it is vital that we remain cohesive and united. Only then can we make a meaningful impact and draw the attention of government and stakeholders to our needs and aspirations. 'I am heartened to see so many young people involved. It reminds me of the early years of KSH and Rurum Kelabit Sarawak in the 1980s, a time when some of you were not yet born. This strong youth presence gives our community hope and shows that the vision of our pioneers is being carried forward into the next generation,' he said. Among those present were Telang Usan assemblyman who is also Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chairman Dato Dennis Ngau, Pujut assemblyman who is also Miri mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang, political secretary to the Premier Dominic Nyurang Ajang, KSH president Romeo Peter Raja and several community leaders. athletes gerawat gala Kelab Sukan Highlanders lead youth
The Sun
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Joy at Sarawak govt Gawai Day Open House
KUCHING: The sounds of the sape, a traditional musical instrument of the Orang Ulu community, as well as dance performances from various ethnic groups were among the highlights of the Gawai Dayak Day Open House organised by the Sarawak government today. Held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), the event, organised by Orang Ulu leaders, was attended by approximately 3,000 visitors from diverse racial backgrounds. The event, which started from 9 am to 2 pm, was graced by the guests of honour, Sarawak Governor Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi. The programme was also attended by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Dr Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Puan Sri Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Ammar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Tian, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala and a line-up of state cabinet ministers. Earlier, the arrival of the guest of honour was accompanied by a parade and a performance of Ngentau Lan'e and Belian Suket by the Sarawak Kenyah National Association (PKKS), which is often sung by the Kenyah community to welcome guests. As the chairman of the Organising Committee, Gerawat, who is also an Orang Ulu of the Kelabit ethnic group, said this year's open house event provides an opportunity for the community to showcase their culture through clothing and performances to the visitors. 'As the main hosts and organisers, we are showcasing our culture to outsiders... not only the Orang Ulu but also other communities such as the Bidayuh and Iban,' he said. Unable to celebrate Gawai Day with her family due to work commitments, Suzanna Nyuak, 32, said the festive occasion was a platform for Sarawakians to celebrate the festival regardless of their race or religion. 'I was on duty as the receptionist for this event, and the warmth of the event was felt when people started coming in. 'For all Sarawakians, especially my family in Kapit, I hope this year's Gawai Day will give meaning to all of us,' said Suzana, who is from Kampung Nanga Ibau, Kapit.
Borneo Post
01-06-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Orang Ulu community hosts state-level Gawai Dayak Open House 2025, drawing thousands
Wan Junaidi (fifth right) leads the toast during the state-level Gawai Dayak Open House with Abang Johari (seventh right), Uggah (sixth right), Gerawat (eighth right) and other guests. – Ukas photo KUCHING (June 1): The state-level Gawai Dayak celebration this year saw the Orang Ulu community take centre stage as hosts of the Gawai Dayak Open House, held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today, drawing over 3,000 attendees from all walks of life. In attendance were Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, along with state and federal dignitaries. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the open house was not only a platform to highlight Dayak culture and traditions, but also a testament to Sarawak's racial harmony. 'Today is an opportunity for us to showcase Dayak culture, tradition and practices, and also to bring all races together. 'We are very happy to have our Head of State, the Premier, leaders as well as people of all races in attendance. This is the true picture of Sarawak,' he told reporters. One of the cultural performances during the open house. – Ukas photo He added that the open house demonstrated the state's cultural diversity and harmony to the rest of Malaysia, and the pride Sarawakians have in their traditions. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala, who is also chairman of the organising committee, said the Orang Ulu were proud to be given the opportunity to host this year's state-level celebration. This year, it is our turn to host the celebration, and we are showcasing the Orang Ulu culture together with other major Dayak communities like the Bidayuh and Iban,' he said. He noted that hosting responsibilities for the state-level Gawai celebration rotate among the Dayak communities, with the Iban community scheduled to host next year. He also outlined a series of events held in conjunction with this year's celebration, including the Gawai Bazaar at MJC, Batu Kawa which was held from May 15 to 25, and the upcoming Gawai Dayak 'Niti Daun' Parade on June 21, which will feature 90 cultural troupes parading from Tun Jugah building to the Kuching Waterfront. 'Our guest of honour for the 'Niti Daun' Parade will be our Premier and we welcome everyone to come and join us as the parade is one of the best showcases of our Dayak culture,' he said. More than 3,000 people from all walks of life visited the open house. – Penerangan photo He added that there will also be a Gawai Dayak Gala Dinner on June 22 at BCCK where the Head of State and his wife will serve as guests of honour. 'We have also invited the Prime Minister and Premier to attend,' he added. He said one of the highlights of the dinner will be the Kumang-Keling showcase, with participants from various divisions showcasing their traditional attire as well as other cultural performances.
