Abdul Karim striking the gong to officiate at the event as Ong (second left) and others look on. — Photo by Rengenyan Labang.
KUCHING: The state government will continue to support Politeknik Kuching Sarawak (PKS) for it to produce quality human capital.
The assurance came from Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg who said the government acknowleged the role played by PKS to produce graduates to meet current needs.
“The state government is aware of the role played by PKS in producing quality graduates. Therefore we will continue to support the institution to develop further, which Sarawak can be proud of, and develop the state and country,” he said at PKS’ 22nd convocation at Hotel Four Points yesterday.
According to Abang Johari, vocational and technical education was being given priority, so the role of PKS was significant to produce semi-professional manpower needed by the country.
His text of speech was read by Assistant Minister of Housing, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Some 872 graduates received their scrolls at the ceremony, which was divided into morning and afternoon sessions.
Abang Johari stressed that the state needed many with vocational and technical skills to fill jobs in Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).
“We ought to remember that the state is targetting 350,000 skilled workers by 2030, so Sarawak must produce 20,000 local skilled workers a year,” he pointed out.
He said there were job opportunities in international companies operating in Samajaya Free Industrial Zone, expected to offer 6,250 jobs by 2020, which PKS graduates were capable of securing.
Abang Johari believed that PKS graduates with hands-on and soft skills were capable of securing jobs in the state.
The minister also called on graduates to venture into business, adding that many financial institutions were offering financial assistance.
Among those present were PKS director Clara Ong.