Latest news with #CENTEXS
New Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
99 seats for Sarawak assembly in line with state's geography
KUCHING: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof described the increase in the number of Sarawak state legislative assembly seats to 99 as the right move, based on the real needs of the state, which has an area almost equal to Peninsular Malaysia. Fadillah, who is also Petra jaya member of parliament, said the decision was based on research and debate at the state level, besides taking into account factors such as the size of the area, ethnic diversity and administrative needs, not simply based on the number of residents. "Some say this criterion should be based on population size… however, we have to look not only at population size, but also at the size of the area and representation of ethnic groups because Sarawak is almost as large as Peninsular Malaysia. "I support this move because it will provide more effective administration for us to develop Sarawak," he told reporters after attending the 'AI for MY Future' course for Petra Jaya parliamentary constituency at the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) in Kuching yesterday. Fadillah said with the addition of state assembly seats, more rural areas will have their own elected representatives, thus allowing the voices of the local community to be brought to the state policy-making stage. Asked if the move was related to the demands under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), he stressed that the main focus was on administrative efficiency. "I cannot say that (part of MA63), but what is more important is that we focus on administering Sarawak more effectively and efficiently," he said. On July 7, the Sarawak state legislative assembly passed the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025 to add 17 new seats, bringing the total number of seats to 99 from 82 previously. Touching on the pilot project of the artificial intelligence (AI) course for the Petra Jaya parliamentary constituency, Fadillah said a total of 108 participants, the majority of whom were community leaders, had undergone the course to master basic skills such as data analysis and document preparation in daily affairs. He said the ultimate goal of the programme in collaboration with Microsoft is to produce a group of trainees who would then be able to train local communities, especially in rural areas. "The effectiveness of this programme will be assessed by Microsoft before it can be expanded to the entire state… If we can identify the locations of communities that need assistance through data, we can plan more accurately and efficiently," he said. – Bernama
The Sun
12-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
AI mastery essential for progressive society says DPM Fadillah
KUCHING: Mastering artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer optional but essential for building a progressive, inclusive, and competitive society, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. Fadillah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Petra Jaya, said in today's fast-evolving digital landscape, enhancing digital skills is a shared responsibility that benefits individuals, families, and the wider community. 'Learning has no age limit. As long as we are able, seeking knowledge is a noble pursuit that benefits not just ourselves, but also those around us. 'In a world that is constantly changing, it is our responsibility to keep improving our skills and adapting to digital transformation,' he said in a Facebook post today. Earlier, Fadillah visited the 'AI for MY Future' training programme held in the Petra Jaya parliamentary constituency at the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) in Kuching. The programme brought together 150 participants, including 51 community leaders, 33 teachers, and 24 entrepreneurs, and focused on the application of AI in areas such as data analytics, document creation, and digital management and reporting. Fadillah highlighted the value of tools like Microsoft Co-Pilot, especially for community leaders who often work without sufficient administrative support. 'With tools like Microsoft Co-Pilot, they can now carry out their duties more efficiently and professionally – from preparing reports and communication materials to managing data,' he said. He also thanked the organisers and encouraged similar initiatives to be extended to other areas. 'My message to all participants - with the knowledge and understanding of AI and digital transformation, we not only enhance our individual capabilities but also drive meaningful change in our communities,' he added. - Bernama
New Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Unity government to hold retreat for all its MPs next week
KUCHING: The unity government will hold a retreat for all its Members of Parliament next week, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said. The retreat, which will also involve ministers and deputy ministers, is aimed at discussing and providing clarity on key national issues to all government MPs. "We'll use that platform to provide further explanation," Fadillah told reporters after attending the 'AI for MY Future' programme at CENTEXS here today. Fadillah, who is also the Petra Jaya MP, said he would also brief MPs from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) on current national matters, following a recent closed-door meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs. He said the briefings are important to ensure all unity government MPs are well-informed about Cabinet-level discussions. "For GPS, we have no issue. With our small number of MPs, I can engage with them directly. These matters were discussed in Cabinet, so I know what needs to be clarified. "If the Prime Minister were to meet each MP individually, time would be limited. I can assist by briefing GPS and GRS MPs," he said. He was responding to a question about whether GPS MPs were involved in the Prime Minister's meeting at Seri Perdana, Putrajaya, yesterday. The meeting reportedly addressed current issues, including the upcoming parliamentary sitting. Fadillah added that a full briefing session for GPS and GRS MPs would be held soon. He also confirmed that he would be in Sabah tomorrow for a meeting of the Technical Committee under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council, adding that it does not involve any political agenda.
The Star
12-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
99 seats for S'wak assembly in line with state's geography, says Fadillah
KUCHING: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof described the increase in the number of Sarawak state legislative assembly seats to 99 as the right move, based on the real needs of the state, which has an area almost equal to Peninsular Malaysia. Fadillah, who is also the Petra Jaya MP, said the decision was based on research and debate at the state level, besides taking into account factors such as the size of the area, ethnic diversity, and administrative needs, not simply based on the number of residents. "Some say this criterion should be based on population size… however, we have to look not only at population size, but also at the size of the area and representation of ethnic groups because Sarawak is almost as large as Peninsular Malaysia. "I support this move because it will provide more effective administration for us to develop Sarawak," he told reporters after attending the "AI for MY Future" course for the Petra Jaya parliamentary constituency at the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) in Kuching, on Saturday (July 12). Fadillah said with the addition of state assembly seats, more rural areas will have their own elected representatives, thus allowing the voices of the local community to be brought to the state policy-making stage. Asked if the move was related to the demands under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), he stressed that the main focus was on administrative efficiency. "I cannot say that (part of MA63), but what is more important is that we focus on administering Sarawak more effectively and efficiently," he said. On July 7, the Sarawak assembly passed the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025 to add 17 new seats, bringing the total number of seats to 99 from 82 previously. Touching on the pilot project of the artificial intelligence (AI) course for the Petra Jaya parliamentary constituency, Fadillah said a total of 108 participants, the majority of whom were community leaders, had undergone the course to master basic skills such as data analysis and document preparation in daily affairs. He said the ultimate goal of the programme in collaboration with Microsoft is to produce a group of trainees who would then be able to train local communities, especially in rural areas. "The effectiveness of this programme will be assessed by Microsoft before it can be expanded to the entire state… If we can identify the locations of communities that need assistance through data, we can plan more accurately and efficiently," he said. – Bernama
New Straits Times
18-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sarawak government offers free full-time higher education to Sarawakians
KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has announced that the state government is offering free full-time higher education to Sarawakians, including those already employed but without the opportunity to pursue further studies. Speaking at the state-level Labour Day Celebration 2025, he called on Sarawak natives to seize the opportunity to become undergraduate students and enhance their skills and knowledge of the latest technologies. "You only need to be interested in studying to upskill. "Anyone already working and holding a diploma can return to campus as a mature student. "Learning is a lifelong process because technology is constantly evolving," he said. Abang Johari said this initiative aims to develop Sarawak's human capital through higher education and skills training. In the press conference following the event, he stressed that the free education offer applies only to full-time studies and is fully supported by the state government. "Among the conditions, applicants must be native-born Sarawakians," he added. Starting next year, Sarawak will fund free education for 64 selected courses at state-owned institutions, including i-CATS University College, the Sarawak Centre of Technology Excellence (CENTEXS), University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia, and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus.
