Alice (fifth left) and Lu (fifth right) together with the sponsors after presenting them with certificates of appreciation.
KUCHING: The changes and evolution of technology means that electrical contractors will require a new set of skills and expertise to do their work.
Utilities Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said his ministry, through the Electrical Inspectorate Unit (EIU), plays the role in producing competent electrical persons so that works are executed properly to ensure safety.
“There are 22 accredited institutions conducting various electrical courses such as wireman and chargeman, and curently there are about 6,000 competent electrical persons. We are targeting by 2020 to have 15,000 competent electrical persons,” he said.
Dr Rundi’s text-of-speech was read by his ministry’s permanent secretary Dato Alice Jawan during the 56th anniversary dinner of Sarawak Electrical Association (SEA) here on Sunday night.
“We will continue to engage the sssociation so that the policies, guidelines and processes introduced are practical and user-friendly for industry needs. We will also engage with the contractors on the set of skills in need by the industry.”
In addition, the ministry also hopes for cooperation from contractors to provide opportunity for new trainees to be attached to acquire experience as they study to acquire competency skills.
Among those present during the dinner were SEA chairman Dato Seri Ir Peter Lu, advisor Ling Chick Ngai, and event organising chairman Ung Kah Kuok.
In his speech Lu said the success of SEA was due to members’ persistence and perseverance in undertaking challenges selflessly to contribute towards the electricity supply industry.
“Technological advancement and environmental changes have changed our business model. Because of this, we have new challenges and opportunities. We urge members to tap into opportunities,” he said, urging members to equip themselves with knowledge and competency.
During the dinner, SEA also honoured members for their long service in the association.