7 days ago
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
