Malaysia’s Deputy Minister Advocates Technical Education Amid Emerging Industry Needs
The Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability in Malaysia, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, has called upon students to think about enrolling in technical courses in order to meet the demand for technical abilities in Sarawak’s emerging industries. These sectors include hydro technology, solar power, hydrogen, carbon management, micro-algae, and synthetic energy, which are in line with the state government’s future projects.
Advocating Technical Education
Dr Hazland advocated for technical education in response to the needs of emerging industries during a financial aid program for the Bako zone. He underscored the pivotal role of technical professionals in implementing Sarawak government projects, especially in these nascent sectors. The demand for technical skills, he stressed, is on the rise.
Significant Increase in Tertiary Education Enrollment
In his address, Dr Hazland lauded the significant increase in tertiary education enrollment over the past 11 years. Annually, the number of enrollees has risen from 50-60 students to 250 students. He also praised SMK Bako for being among the top three schools in Sarawak in terms of STPM results over the past four years.
Financial Aid to Students
The financial aid program witnessed the disbursement of funds to students entering higher education. Diploma students received RM500 each, undergraduates received RM700 each, and two Masters students received RM1,000 each, with total contributions amounting to RM39,800. The event saw the attendance of various officials, including the principal of SMK Bako and representatives from the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Demak Laut branch.
Dr Hazland also mentioned the introduction of free tertiary education for Sarawakians studying at Sarawak-owned universities by 2026, further emphasizing the government’s commitment to education.
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