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Youths must upgrade skills to compete in open economy, says Premier
Sagah (third left) presents the Outstanding School Award for STPM 2024 to Sacred Heart Secondary School principal David Teo, witnessed by (from left) Les, Junaidi, Adana and Khairuddin.
SIBU (Aug 16): The younger generation must continuously improve their knowledge and skills so they can remain competitive in an open economy, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said more business opportunities and quality jobs are being created, especially with the Sarawak government's focus on green energy and open economy.
'In this context, the Sarawak government has succeeded in attracting investments through the exploration of new economic frontiers that have increased the state's revenue.
'Research and development of natural resources, including the carbon business, have created new economic sources that could potentially multiply income.
'Therefore, the younger generation must enhance their knowledge and skills to compete in an open economy.
'With the government's emphasis on the green energy sector, youths must be ready to seize the job opportunities that will be created,' he said when officiating the Sarawak Education Expo 2025 at the Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud Chancellor Hall, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) here today.
His speech was read by State Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
On the expo, Abang Johari said it provided students with the latest information about education in Sarawak, especially since the establishment of higher learning institutions by the state government has opened up more opportunities for them to pursue both academic and skills-based studies.
'Education is now a necessity because through it, one can discover their personal potential and choose a suitable career path for the future.
'Therefore, this expo plays a role in raising awareness among children — especially in rural areas — about education opportunities at institutions under the Sarawak Foundation, and serves as a platform for the government to disseminate information and guide them to seize such opportunities,' he added.
The fourth edition of the Sarawak Education Expo 2025, organised by Sarawak Foundation, aimed to attract 19,500 participants and is being held simultaneously at 30 locations statewide, with the Sibu District Education Office as the host for the launch.
Also held during the expo was the presentation of the Sarawak Foundation's Outstanding Student Awards to 1,525 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students and 461 Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) students for the year 2024.
Also present were Sarawak Foundation director Datu Mohamad Junaidi Mohidin, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Adana Jed, Sarawak deputy director of education Dr Les Met, and UTS vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abd Hamid. Abang Johari open economy Roland Sagah skills improvement youth
