PPKS TECHNICAL SKILLS: Len Talif (second left) witnesses the exchange of documents between Baharudin (left) and SMK Sungai Maong principal Pauzan Nuruddin. Also seen is state education director Abdillah Adam.
KUCHING: Sarawak is taking the lead in promoting technical and vocational education at grassroots level to support the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (Score) and achieve a high income status.
Currently Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Bumiputera (Tegas) has promoted technical and vocational education in 33 locations across the state.
“This year, we have seen the participation of 60,000 students and hope to reach the 100,000 mark by next year,” said Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Promotion of Technical Education) Datu Len Talif Salleh.
He said this yesterday during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sarawak Skills Development Centre (PPKS) and 22 schools from Kuching, Betong and Miri.
Len Talif hailed the initiative for helping to spur interest in the technical industry.
The Belawai assemblyman said students are all born with their own niche, which could be identified early and moulded for a head start in tertiary education.
“There is more to it besides scoring straight A’s in public examinations,” he said, adding that parents and students should take a holistic view on career prospects before deciding on tertiary education paths.
He pointed out that the state has from 35,000 to 40,000 students sitting for Sjil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) each year, but only 10 per cent go for matriculation, Form 6 or diploma programmes.
“The other 90 per cent would then enter private or government institutes of higher learning,” said Len.
Meanwhile, PPKS executive director Baharudin Abdullah said the MoU would place the 22 schools under PPKS’ wings to give students a taste of technical and vocational education.
“In a way, PPKS would also be able to promote and create awareness on the promising career prospects in the technical and vocational industry,” he said.
The schools are Kolej Vokasional Kuching, SM Teknik Sejingkat, SM Vokasional Matang, SMK Matang Jaya, SMK Petra Jaya, SMK Demak Baru, SMK Kota Samarahan, SMK Lake, SM Vokasional Betong, SM Vokasional Miri, SMK Tunku Abdul Rahman, SMK Batu Lintang, SMK Wira Penrissen, SMK Batu Kawa, SMK Sungai Maong, SMK Muara Tuang, SMK Bako, SMK Santubong, SMK Bandar Samariang, SMK Semarah Padi, SMK Serian and SMK Gedong.