Latest news with #Sarawak-owned
Borneo Post
03-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Education mapping, credit transfer to give Sarawak's diploma holders clear and affordable path to degrees
Dr Annuar (third left) presents a certificate of appreciation to a representative from i-CATS University College. SIBU (July 3): The Sarawak government's education mapping and credit transfer initiative will ensure the state's diploma holders have a clearer and more affordable path to pursue degree qualifications. The effort was formalised through the Workshop on Education Mapping and Credit Transfer for Diploma Holders, jointly organised by the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD) and University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) here. The workshop gathered delegates from 32 diploma-awarding institutions and representatives of Sarawak-owned tertiary institutions — UTS, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia, and i-CATS University College. Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, who also chairs UTS, said the initiative ensures diploma holders can seamlessly progress to degree-level education, particularly under the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) beginning next year. 'The idea is to give an opportunity for diploma holders to further their studies to degree level, especially now, with FTES and free tertiary education. 'In other words, there is a very clear pathway for them,' Dr Annuar told reporters after closing the workshop. He said the education mapping and credit transfer scheme allows eligible diploma holders to proceed directly into the second year or third semester of degree programmes, bypassing the need to start from year one. 'They can transfer credits, which means they don't have to start again. 'This reduces the financial burden and encourages more students to pursue higher education,' he said. Dr Annuar said many diploma holders had previously opted not to further their studies due to financial concerns or the need to work immediately after graduation. 'Some couldn't afford the tuition, while others chose to work but still couldn't secure a stable job. 'Now that tertiary education is free, we want as many diploma students as possible to take this opportunity. 'But they must be clearly and effectively informed about these pathways,' he added. The workshop also addressed mapping suitable courses that support credit transfer in close collaboration with diploma colleges and participating universities. 'If diploma holders are already working, they'll need to leave their jobs and enrol full-time to benefit from free tertiary education. Part-time study is not covered under the scheme at this time,' he said. He called on institutions such as polytechnics, vocational colleges, and private diploma-awarding colleges such as Technology College Sarawak (TCS) and Kolej Laila Taib (KLT) to actively disseminate this information to their students. 'This is the best option for diploma holders who want to upgrade themselves. It's free and we've made the path clearer; but awareness is key,' Dr Annuar stressed. The initiative supports MEITD's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Quality Education and complements Sarawak's strategic efforts in talent development and education equity.
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Greener horizons: Petros and CJI to develop Kuching low-carbon hub
KUALA LUMPUR: Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) and China Jiangsu International Economic and Technical Cooperation Group Ltd (CJI) have agreed to collaborate on advancing the development of the Kuching Low-Carbon Hub (KLCH). The KLCH is a key project designed to help Sarawak grow its economy in a greener, more valuable way by using cleaner energy and attracting important industries. The agreement marks "a significant step forward in realising Sarawak's low-carbon vision, reinforcing the state's positioning as a credible, future-ready hub for industrial transformation," Petros said in a statement yesterday. Under the agreement, CJI, a state-owned enterprise from Jiangsu with wide experience in major infrastructure projects, has been named an anchor partner. With projects spanning transport, utilities, energy, ports, and industrial zones, CJI will work with Petros on the hub's master plan, which includes a state-of-the-art low-carbon industrial park aimed at attracting strategic investors aligned with Sarawak's low-carbon ambitions, it said. Petros said the establishment of the KLCH is expected to attract high-quality foreign direct investment and generate high-income job opportunities in Sarawak. "This collaboration with CJI supports Sarawak's broader strategy of partnering with experienced global players to deliver complex, high-impact projects which contribute to national economic and developmental goals," it added. Signing the Strategic Cooperation Agreement in Kuala Lumpur were Petros Group CEO Datuk Janin Girie, representing the Sarawak-owned petroleum company, and CJI chairman Song Qinbo for the Chinese firm.
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Wan Junaidi calls for private sector to drive Sarawak's economic transformation
Wan Junaidi and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi arrive at the DUN complex for the opening ceremony of DUN Sitting. They were accompanied by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar and his wife Puan Sri Dato Fatimah Mohd Iskandar. – Penerangan photo KUCHING (May 19): Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has called on the private sector to play an active role and contribute to the government's efforts in implementing high-impact initiatives aimed at transforming Sarawak's economic landscape. He said the people must also be ready to seize the job and business opportunities that will be generated from government-initiated programmes and projects. In his opening address at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting here today, the Head of State said Sarawak is increasingly standing out with its impressive achievements as a progressive region in Malaysia, marked by political stability, clear and forward-looking economic policies, and prudent fiscal management. 'At the international level, Sarawak is gaining recognition and attention as a strategic investment destination in the region, particularly in emerging economic sectors. 'I fully support the Sarawak government's continued efforts to attract high-quality investments by leveraging the state's competitive advantages and strategic geographical position. 'This includes strengthening the investment ecosystem through improvements in basic infrastructure and logistics services in Sarawak. Proposals to build new ports and airports are timely and in line with the goal of establishing Sarawak as a regional logistics hub,' he said. He also congratulated the Sarawak government for successfully taking over the Bintulu Port Authority and acquiring MASwings as a Sarawak-owned airline, which has been rebranded as AirBorneo. 'This strategic move will undoubtedly strengthen Sarawak's ambitions to become a regional logistics hub, thereby boosting the state's economy through trade, industry, and tourism.' Earlier, Wan Junaidi paid tribute to the country's fifth Prime Minister, the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi whom he described as a visionary leader who cared deeply for the wellbeing of the people. 'During his leadership, five economic development corridors were launched in Malaysia. One of them was the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) which was launched on February 11, 2008. 'The establishment of SCORE succeeded in attracting both foreign and domestic investments, particularly in the Samalaju Industrial Park, which provided many employment and economic opportunities for the people of Sarawak,' he said. He said Abdullah's passing was a great loss to the nation and that his invaluable contributions, particularly to Sarawak, were immeasurable and will always be remembered. Abdullah passed away at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur on April 14 at the age of 85. Born on Nov 26, 1939, in Bayan Lepas, Penang, Abdullah helmed the country's premiership from Oct 31, 2003, until April 3, 2009, following the resignation of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Borneo Post
13-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Abg Jo: Sarawak-owned universities to introduce engineering degree in construction management, free for eligible Sarawakians
Abang Johari delivers his speech at ICW Borneo. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 13): The Sarawak government will introduce the Bachelor of Engineering in Construction Management at Sarawak-owned universities beginning next year, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. 'This is a new discipline where we will provide education in the field of construction and construction management,' he told reporters after launching International Construction Week (ICW) Borneo here today. He explained that the course is in line with the state's push for a low carbon industry, as construction is one of the sectors that contributes to carbon emissions. 'We need to find new methods, such as using green materials, and also implement low carbon footprint approaches in the building industry. 'For instance, the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) will help achieve this,' he said. Abang Johari added that eligible Sarawakians can pursue the course at no cost. 'Next year, we will send our students who are eligible to study in our universities under the free tertiary education,' he said. Abang Johari said the Bachelor of Engineering in Construction Management is among the first disciplines of its kind introduced in Borneo and will be offered at University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak. 'UTS in Sibu and Swinburne are ready. iCATS is not yet ready. By next year, we will start,' he added.
New Straits Times
28-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Petronas fails to halt Petros suit on gas payment
KUCHING: Petronas has failed in its bid to delay a suit that Petros had filed to stop the national petroleum company from demanding payment for natural gas. On Oct 15 last year, Sarawak-owned petroleum company Petros filed a suit seeking a declaration that Petronas' demand for a RM7.95 million bank guarantee for gas payment was "unconscionable, unlawful and, therefore, null and void". Petronas had sought to stay Petros' suit until a case filed by Shell SDMS Sdn Bhd against Petronas and Petros in the Kuala Lumpur High Court had been settled. Shell SDMS's court action was to determine which company it should pay for the natural gas it received. Judicial Commissioner Datuk Faridz Gohim Abdullah in dismissing Petronas' application agreed with Petros lead counsel Sim Hui Chuang and Sarawak government special counsel Datuk Seri J.C. Fong that there were no special circumstances to warrant a stay. Faridz also agreed that a stay of the Kuching proceedings while waiting for the Kuala Lumpur case to be disposed would be an injustice to Petros and the public interest. Petros and Sarawak argued the Kuching case was ready to be heard, the Kuala Lumpur proceedings were still at pre-trial case management, with the next hearing on May 23. They argued that there was no indication when the Kuala Lumpur case would start, and a stay of the Kuching proceedings could potentially be for years. The federal and Sarawak governments have been added to appear in the hearing as amicus curiae (friends of the court). Faridz has set June 11 to hear Petros' originating summons. Petronas lead counsel Alex Ngu's application for a stay on the dismissal of the injunction was also dismissed by the court. The judicial commissioner said Ngu should make a formal application on the appeal. Petros is disputing Petronas's demand for a RM7.95 million bank guarantee under the Sarawak Gas Sales Agreement (SGSA) dated Dec 30, 2019. Petros contends that the SGSA is invalid because Petronas lacks a license under Sarawak's Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016 (DGO 2016) to distribute gas in the state. Petronas, on the other hand, maintains that its rights under the federal Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA) supersede state laws like the DGO 2016. In an affidavit filed on Nov 5, last year, Petronas said it was the legitimate aggregator of natural gas, including for domestic distribution, and that the SGSA was valid and enforceable.
