(From third left) Sagah accompanying Abang Johari at one of the exhibition booths after officiating at the SCaT Fair 2026 at HEEC in Kuching on Saturday. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (June 6): Skilled Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates are increasingly in demand across Sarawak’s expanding industrial sectors, said State Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
He said this demand spans key sectors including heavy industry, maritime, digital and high-technology industries.
“In today’s industrial landscape, skilled TVET graduates are highly sought after. From the heavy industries in Samalaju and the maritime sectors in Miri and Sibu, to the high-tech, digital, and aerospace sectors in Kuching, employers are aggressively seeking technical professionals for high-paying, secure careers.
“Our greatest challenge is bridging the gap between industry needs and workforce readiness to secure Sarawak’s long-term prosperity,” he said at the Sarawak Career and Training Fair (SCaT Fair) launching ceremony at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC) here.
The ceremony was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Sagah said platforms such as SCaT Fair play an important role in bridging the gap between talent and opportunity.
He described the fair as more than just an exhibition, but a key platform connecting youth with industry players and educational institutions under one roof.
The Sarawak government continues to strengthen its human capital agenda in line with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which targets the development of 500,000 skilled workers, he said.
He added that a comprehensive study on the Sarawak Talent Development Policy is currently being carried out to support more data-driven workforce planning.
“The State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Ministry remains deeply committed to preparing our youth for these premium roles,” he said.
Sagah said close collaboration with industry players, training institutions and public agencies is being strengthened to better align youth skills with industry requirements, while also expanding community upskilling programmes to improve employability and household income.
He also highlighted ongoing state investment in education initiatives, including the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), Special Financial Assistance, as well as free laptop and book voucher programmes aimed at reducing financial barriers.
Sagah said the ministry is also reinforcing STEM education, English proficiency and hands-on learning through robotics and innovation kits distributed to schools statewide, ensuring equitable access to technology education.
“These structured enrichment programmes deliberately bridge geographical gaps, ensuring that all Sarawakian children, regardless of location, gain early exposure to advanced technology and digital literacy,” he said.
He noted that Sarawak students have already recorded successes in international competitions, reflecting growing technical competence and creativity.
Sagah urged students, graduates, job seekers and parents to fully utilise the SCaT Fair as a direct pathway to education and employment opportunities.
He encouraged them to engage with universities and corporate representatives, participate in open interviews and explore available financial assistance.
“This fair is not just a place to collect brochures; it is a launching pad for your future,” he said.
Sagah also thanked co-organiser Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas), industry partners and educational institutions for their continued support in making SCaT Fair a key human capital development platform since 2012.
