Julaihi (right) presents a memento to Awang Tengah.
SIBU: Some 250 shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) industry players attended a seminar at RH Hotel here yesterday to learn about new challenges and latest developments in the shipbuilding industry.
They were locals as well as counterparts from Kuching, Miri, the Peninsula and Singapore.
Assistant Minister of Industrial Development (Investment and Promotion) Datuk Julaihi Narawi, who was the seminar organising chairman, said the seminar was a follow-up to a similar one held here last year.
“Last year, we touched on various sectors and today, our focus is on SBSR in Sibu.
“Why Sibu? Because SBSR in Sibu plays an important role in the development of the shipbuilding industry in the state,” he explained.
According to him, there are 63 shipyards in the state with Sibu having 40, Kuching five, Bintulu five, Miri 12 and Limbang one.
He said the thriving shipbuilding industry in Sibu had created many jobs for the locals.
Commenting on the seminar further, he said it served as a platform for discussions on the latest issues and challenges in the shipbuilding industry in Sarawak.
“It is a place where all participants can brainstorm for a strategic plan to further develop SBSR and to create better rapport between the SBSR players and government agencies.”
Second Minister of Resource Planning and Environment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan officiated at the function.
Others present were chief political secretary to the chief minister Abdullah Saidol, Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee, Jemoreng assemblyman Abu Seman Jahwie, Balingian assemblyman Yussibnosh Balo, Sibu Resident Sim Kok Kee and Kuching Port Authority chairman Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah.