Latest news with #InnovationandTalentDevelopment
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
22nd Pesta Benak to take place Sept 19-21 at Sri Aman Waterfront
Wan Junaidi (fifth left) receives the official invitation to officiate the closing ceremony of Pesta Benak 2025 from Harden. KUCHING (Aug 7): The 22nd edition of Pesta Benak is set to take place from Sept 19 to 21 at the Sri Aman Waterfront in Simanggang. Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar shared the announcement in a Facebook post, saying he was informed of the festival dates during a courtesy visit by the Pesta Benak organising committee at the Astana Negeri yesterday. He also revealed that he and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, have been officially invited to officiate the festival's closing ceremony on Sept 21. The delegation, led by State Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development and Simanggang assemblyman, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, also briefed Wan Junaidi and Fauziah on this year's theme: 'Explore the Uniqueness and Challenges of the Benak Phenomenon in Batang Lupar, Sri Aman.' Wan Junaidi said the three-day festival aims to continue celebrating the iconic tidal bore phenomenon while stimulating the local economy through broad community and industry participation. 'We also expressed our hope that Pesta Benak will be further developed into an internationally recognised annual event, in line with the state government's aspiration to make Sri Aman a major tourism destination,' he said. During the meeting, Wan Junaidi also proposed the establishment of a training centre in Sri Aman. The facility could serve as both an agricultural products exhibition space and a hub for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). He said the centre would provide a platform for local communities to promote and sell their produce, while also equipping school leavers, particularly those who did not complete Form 3 or Form 5, with marketable technical skills. 'This would enable them to gain recognised skills certificates and better job opportunities,' he added. Among those present were Sri Aman Resident Mahra Salleh, Sri Aman District Officer Shariff Bujang, Sri Aman District Council Secretary Mohd Rizal Zakaria, and other local officials. Pesta Benak Sri Aman Wan Junaidi
Malaysiakini
2 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Focus on lifelong learning, not leaving school at 16 – S'wak edu minister
Sarawak Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn has disagreed with Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli's proposal for students to complete their secondary school at 16 years old so they can enter the workforce by 21. The former economy minister suggested this while debating the 13th Malaysia Plan two days ago.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sagah: AI, TVET and renewable energy key to achieving SDGs
Sagah (fourth right) touches the crystal ball to officiate the opening of TECHON 2025 at The Waterfront Hotel, Kuching today. – Photo by Jude Toyat KUCHING (Aug 6): Artificial intelligence (AI), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and renewable energy are the three key pillars needed to drive a sustainable and inclusive future in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), said Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. Speaking at the official opening of the 8th Technology and Innovation International Conference (TECHON) 2025 at a hotel here today, Sagah said the conference's theme, 'AI, TVET, and Renewable Energy: Driving a Sustainable Future through the Sustainable Development Goals', is timely and relevant in addressing the complex challenges of the modern world. 'We are living in an age of rapid transformation. Technologies are advancing at unprecedented speeds. Climate change is no longer a distant concern, it is a present-day crisis. 'Economic disruptions, digital divides, and shifting job markets are redefining how we live, learn, and work. In this ever-shifting landscape, three pillars emerge as crucial enablers of sustainable development: artificial intelligence (AI), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and renewable energy,' he said. The two-day international conference is organised by Politeknik Mukah, in collaboration with the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education (JPPKK), Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Universitas Negeri Makassar (Indonesia), and Ecole Nationale de Commerce et de Gestion – Agadir, Ibno Zohr University (Morocco). In his officiating address, Sagah highlighted the transformative role of AI across sectors, from predictive healthcare and automated logistics to smart agriculture and digital learning. 'Al is not merely about replacing human effort. At its best, it is a tool that empowers decision-making, drives innovation, and solves real-world problems when applied ethically, equitably, and with human values at its core,' he said. According to him, AI has the potential to accelerate several SDGs, including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). However, he stressed that realising this potential depends on one essential ingredient: skills. 'TVET serves as the bridge between ideas or innovation and implementation, between technology and society. It is the system that equips our youth, our workforce, and our communities with the practical skills, technical competencies, and problem-solving mindsets needed to thrive in an evolving world,' he said. Sagah added that in Malaysia and across the region, TVET is becoming increasingly critical as industries shift toward automation and digitalisation. 'When we align TVET with technological advancement and sustainability goals, we are preparing a generation not only to adapt but to lead,' he said. On renewable energy, Sagah said it represents the most urgent response to the global climate emergency. 'With rising global temperatures and escalating environmental risks, we are already witnessing the consequences of unsustainable energy use. The world can no longer afford to rely on fossil fuels,' he said. He noted that Malaysia is making progress in renewable energy through initiatives in solar, wind, hydro, and biomass, but reminded that the transition is not just about technology. 'It is about people. It is about building green economies, creating climate-resilient communities, and securing a just energy future for all,' he said. Sagah emphasised that AI, TVET, and renewable energy must not be seen as isolated domains, but as interconnected strategies that must be developed in harmony. 'AI provides the intelligence to analyse, predict, and optimise. TVET provides the skills to act, build, and implement. Renewable energy provides the sustainability to protect and preserve. 'And TECHON 2025 brings us all together to share ideas, research, and best practices to move this vision forward,' he said. Sagah also expressed his appreciation to the organisers and sponsors for making the event possible including Business Events Sarawak, Pejabat Pusat Khidmat N.57 Tellian, Bank Rakyat Mukah Branch, GOTT Sdn Bhd, and Maths Proofread. 'I encourage all participants to actively engage in discussions, share insights, and explore potential collaborations during this conference. Let us seize this opportunity to exchange perspectives and forge partnerships,' he added. Also present were Deputy Director General (Planning) of the Polytechnic and Community College Education Department, Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, Dr Shamsuri Abdullah; Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine; Director of Politeknik Mukah, Suhaili Aleh; Professor Ir Dr Mohd Asyadi 'Azam Mohd Abid, Dean of the Faculty of Industrial and Manufacturing Technology and Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka; Dr Andi Asrifan, Lecturer in the Doctoral Program in English Language Education at the Graduate School of Universitas Negeri Makassar (UNM), Indonesia; Assist Prof Dr Samira Raki from the National School of Commerce and Management (ENCGA), Ibn Zohr University, Morocco; and Joachim Soon Ghim Seng, General Manager of Capacity and Digitalisation at Business Events Sarawak. 8th Technology and Innovation International Conference lead Roland Sagah
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sagah: No need to set school-leaving age at 16, focus should be on lifelong learning
Sagah speaks at the press conference. KUCHING (Aug 6): Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn has voiced his disagreement with former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's proposal for students to complete secondary school by the age of 16 to enable them to enter the workforce by 21. Speaking at a press conference after officiating the 8th Technology & Innovation International Conference (Techon) 2025 at a hotel here today, Sagah said the proposal was unnecessary and that the focus should instead be on lifelong learning. 'There's no need for that. We are promoting lifelong learning, not stopping at 16. Why should it be 16 years old? No need to talk about that — just talk about lifelong learning,' he said when asked to comment on Rafizi's remarks during the recent debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Sagah pointed out that continuous upskilling and learning were more relevant in today's rapidly evolving industries. 'We encourage people to go and learn to upskill themselves. If last time I knew how to do rubber tapping, now I have to know how to manufacture the machine that can make it even faster, so that I don't need to go and get my hands dirty anymore,' he said. 'They (Rafizi) can say whatever they like,' he added. Rafizi had suggested during the 13MP debate in Parliament that the government consider structural reforms to the education system, allowing students to finish school earlier and join the workforce by 21, citing the need to manage challenges posed by an ageing population. On the event, Sagah said events such as Techon 2025 are vital platforms for bringing together experts from various disciplines to discuss the ethical and responsible use of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), and to align innovation with sustainability goals. He added that the conference, themed 'AI, TVET, and Renewable Energy: Driving a Sustainable Future through the Sustainable Development Goals', was organised by Politeknik Mukah with support from various agencies and associations. 'It is an international event involving institutions from Indonesia, Japan, Morocco, and India, as well as local institutions like Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM). 'Industry players and academia are also contributing their ideas, which they will deliberate during the conference,' he said. age lead rafizi ramli Roland Sagah secondary school
Borneo Post
30-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak rolls out special cash aid for tertiary students, RM50.4 mln allocated
Abang Johari (fourth left) shows the S Pay Global app on his phone to some Sarawakian students attending the ceremony in Kuala Lumpur today. – Photo by Sarawak Public Communications Unit KUCHING (July 30): The Sarawak government has allocated RM50.4 million for the Special Financial Aid (BKK) to support Sarawakian students pursuing higher education during its launch in Kuala Lumpur today. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the launch announced that each eligible student will receive RM1,200, disbursed in two phases of RM600 per semester via the S Pay Global platform. Open to all Sarawakian students regardless of household income, the BKK aims to ease the financial burden on families and help students focus on their academic journey. The aid is expected to benefit around 42,000 Sarawakian students currently enrolled in institutions of higher learning nationwide. 'The Sarawak government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has delivered on its promise. This shows that we care, not only about the students as Sarawakians, but because we are a government that is genuinely concerned about the future of our state,' said Abang Johari. Also at the ceremony here were Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof; Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn; Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi; Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Sarawak Attorney-General Dato Sri Saferi Ali; and other dignitaries. The Premier described the BKK as part of a larger strategy to empower youth through education and enhance Sarawak's global economic competitiveness. 'This assistance is provided regardless of students' backgrounds. We want to cultivate a generation that is knowledgeable, competitive and ready to seize opportunities not just within Sarawak, but internationally,' he said. Abang Johari also stressed the importance of preparing Sarawak's youth to become globally competent professionals in an increasingly borderless economic landscape. 'This is a strategic form of assistance. We have bright Sarawakian students who are intellectually capable and can pursue studies that are relevant to current global economic developments,' he said. He further noted that application numbers are expected to increase and reaffirmed the state's commitment to introducing more student-focused initiatives in the future. Introduced as part of Abang Johari's winding-up speech during the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly sitting in November last year, the assistance was initially targeted at students from households with a per capita income of RM1,500 or below. However, the eligibility has since been broadened to include all full-time diploma and bachelor's degree students with Sarawakian status, regardless of socioeconomic background. Meanwhile, Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, in his speech said the aid is designed not only to ease students' financial pressures but also to motivate them to excel in their studies. A second application phase will open in September, catering to newly enrolled students and those who missed the initial round. Abang Johari BKK financial aid tertiary education
