Technical skills key to Sarawak’s future, Bumiputeras told
KUCHING: Bumiputeras in Sarawak, who make up about 80 per cent of the state’s population, must move away from an overreliance on desk jobs and instead pursue careers in technical and vocational fields, which are increasingly offering lucrative opportunities across the state, said Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar
“There are golden opportunities emerging in Sarawak’s industrial sectors that require workers with technical and vocational skills, as well as expertise in engineering and science.
“For too long, Bumiputera youths in Sarawak have opted for easier subjects and office-based jobs.
“As a result, many have missed out on opportunities in technical, vocational and industrial sectors that have become highly impactful and well-paying.
“Bumiputeras in Sarawak must undergo a change in mindset.
“They should not only aim for easier jobs, or they risk being left further behind as Sarawak rapidly transforms in areas that require technical and vocational expertise as well as engineering and scientific knowledge,” he said in his Gawai Dayak message today.
Sarawak has a population of approximately 2.8 million people.
The Bumiputera community in the state comprises indigenous groups such as the Iban, Orang Ulu, Bidayuh, Melanau and Malay communities, accounting for about 80 per cent of the population, while the remaining 20 per cent consists mainly of Chinese and Indian communities.
Wan Junaidi urged school-leavers in Sarawak to seriously consider pursuing technical, vocational and entrepreneurial skills instead of focusing solely on academically oriented courses for their further education.
He also called on parents to adopt a similar mindset.
“Parents of Bumiputera students must guide their children towards science, engineering, technical and vocational fields, as the future of Sarawak lies in these sectors,” he said.
Wan Junaidi also urged those celebrating the upcoming Gawai Dayak festival to continue fostering harmony and unity within their communities.
The Gawai Dayak harvest festival begins tomorrow, June 1, and will be celebrated throughout the month.
