Fazzrudin: Students must take lead in shaping Sarawak's future
MIRI (Aug 3): Students must step up and take centre stage in shaping Sarawak's future, said Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman during a major education briefing held at Curtin University Malaysia here on Friday.
Delivering the keynote speech at the Sarawak Government Education Initiative Briefing, Fazzrudin, who is also the Chief Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, stressed that students are not merely beneficiaries of government support, but key players in the state's long-term transformation.
'Failing to plan is planning to fail. Just as the government has a long-term strategy for Sarawak through PCDS 2030, you too must have a strategy for your life – your studies, your career, your contribution. You are the future of this state,' said Fazzrudin.
He explained that the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which serves as a blueprint for economic growth, environmental protection and social inclusion, was created with the younger generation in mind.
'PCDS 2030 was created for you, the young leaders, so that you can reach greater heights in the future,' said Fazzruddin, who is also the Tupong assemblyman.
He highlighted Sarawak's plans to attract investors, build new industrial sectors, and lead in green and hydrogen-based economies would only succeed if the state had the local talent to fill the jobs being created.
'We need you to step up. If we can achieve this, Sarawak's future for the next 50 to 100 years will be secure,' he stressed.
He likened the government's role to that of a hardworking parent striving to secure a better future for their children and called for the students to honour these sacrifices by excelling in their studies and contributing meaningfully to their communities and state.
The briefing formed part of a statewide outreach initiative, bringing together senior political secretaries, state agencies and over 400 students ranging from foundation to diploma level.
Curtin University Malaysia Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Prof Vincent Lee welcomed the delegation and expressed pride in supporting the government's transformative goals.
'As a Sarawak Government-owned university, Curtin Malaysia is proud to support these transformative goals.
'We believe in the power of education, research and community engagement to help build a smarter, more inclusive Sarawak,' said Lee.
The event also featured presentations from key agencies, including the Economic Planning Unit, the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Yayasan Sarawak, Sarawak Centre of Performance Excellence (SCOPE), Housing Development Corporation, and Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS).
Students were introduced to various support initiatives and schemes, including Bantuan Khas Kerajaan (BKK); financial assistance through Yayasan Sarawak; Sarawak Rental Assistance Scheme for student tenants; and upskilling and graduate training under GETS and GAPS programmes.
Fazzrudin concluded by stressing the importance of awareness and encouraged students to make full use of available opportunities.
'I hope all of you will take something from today and use it to drive the future of our state,' he said. education fazzrudin abdul rahman leaders students
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