Zulkarnain (centre) presents a trophy to a winner while director of Sibu Vocational College Musthafa Sepawi looks on.
SIBU: The negative perception that vocational education is only for those who cannot excel academically ought to be changed.
“I hope that Technical and Vocation Education and Training (Tvet) can change this negative perception so that Sarawak will have competitive local manpower contributing to the development of the country,” said Sibu acting district officer Zulkarnain Ismail.
He was speaking at the closing of a state-level KV Skills competition at Sibu Vocational College yesterday when representing Sibu Resident Charles Siaw.
Zulkarnain also said Tvet can be the agent of change in building up human capital and providing sufficient local manpower to fulfil the needs of various industries.
“Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) will bring about the growth of Sarawak’s economy and create plenty of job, business and services opportunities.
“However, this would only be possible if Sarawak has skilled workers.
“That is why vocational colleges play a vital role in training graduates with skills and competitiveness,” he concluded.