Have knowledge skills for job market, Abg Jo tells youths

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Abang Johari (second right) receives a memento from Len. Also seen is Karim (right). — Photo by Muhd Rais Sanusi

Abang Johari (second right) receives a memento from Len. Also seen is Karim (right). — Photo by Muhd Rais Sanusi

KUCHING: The state government can create all kinds of jobs for youths in the state but they must first equip themselves with proper knowledge and skills.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of Forum Belia Tegas 2015 held at a hotel here yesterday, Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg wanted our youths to know the opportunities available for them.

According to him, the government could create many job opportunities but questioned whether our youths were ready or qualified for the jobs.

He also said the government could not create jobs that suited youths, as they must be ready and make themselves suitable for the jobs that the government had for them.

“What is important is that youths, especially from Sarawak, know how to make themselves marketable for today’s job market.”

Youths therefore should take up the initiative to find out the jobs available to them before making any decision.

Abang Johari said many Sarawakian graduates without a proper job or none at all was due to the fact that they failed to recognise what the job market wanted from them.

“Many years ago, the job market and demographics were different. Nowadays, employers give many excuses not to employ graduates, citing (lack of) experience as one of them, saying that graduates nowadays had no quality at all.

“As such, the state government knows how to assist youths in Sarawak to build their careers while youths themselves must play a part in readying themselves,” he added.

Organised by Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Bumiputera Sarawak (Tegas), the forum was held yesterday as the first of four legs to be held throughout the state.

Miri will be the next destination on Sept 19 before proceeding to Mukah on Oct 10 and returning to Kuching on Nov 21.

About 1,200 youths attended the forum yesterday.

Assistant Minister of Promotion of Technical Education Datu Len Taliff Salleh who is also Tegas chairman and Assistant Minister of Social Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah were also present.