CONGRATULATIONS: Julaihi presents a certificate to a student. Also seen are Awangku Jamuddin (left) and Narayanan.
KUCHING: Close corporation between private skills training providers and government agencies is crucial for the state to produce enough skilled workers to accommodate industry demand.
Assistant Minister of Industrial Development (Investment and Promotion) Julaihi Narawi said development projects planned by the government, such as the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), need the support of skilled workers in order to achieve their goals.
Thus, Julaihi said the good working relationship between Harina Consultancy Services (HCS) and government agencies, which had helped to produce many skilled workers for various industries, should be an example for other training centres.
“I believe that with such a good private-public partnership, HCS could play a greater role. It would be good if there are more training providers like HCS to act aggressively with government agencies. I believe that we can meet the needs of the skilled workforce in the state,” he said during HCS’ certificate presentation night on Thursday.
Julaihi, who is also Assistant Rural Development Minister, was representing Minister of Special Functions Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem.
The night saw 87 HCS students receiving their Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM).
Julaihi advised the graduates to play a pivotal role in the state’s development.
“Your future is like the star. You have the ability and capability to brighten the future of Sarawak, to bring the state to a more prosperous future,” said the Sebuyau assemblyman.
Meanwhile, HCS managing director Captain (R) Narayanan Kannan said HCS has helped to produce over 8,000 skilled workers in the last 12 years.
He pointed out that nearly 85 per cent of its trainees have been employed, while others have pursued higher qualifications.
“Most of the trainees are from rural areas and poor families. We are fortunate to receive the support and assistance from government agencies such as Yayasan Sarawak, which has allowed these students to learn at least a skill, which will help to improve their living standard,” he said.
In Sarawak, HCS has branches in Kuching, Bintulu and Limbang, while in Sabah there are branches in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau.
Among those present were Demak Laut assemblyman Dr Hazland Abang Hipni and HCS chairman Awangku Jamuddin Pengiran Kon.