A call for stronger regional collaboration in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) reverberated through the halls of the 4th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) TVET Conference held in Kuching.
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain, Chairman of Sarawak Skills Development Centre (Sarawak Skills) and Pro-Chancellor of I-CATS University College, underscored the transformative of cross border partnerships to foster economic growth and prepare the workforce for an evolving world.
“TVET plays a crucial role in improving livelihoods globally. It is imperative that we raise the bar in providing industry-relevant education to meet the demands of tomorrow,” said Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz during the conference’s closing ceremony.
“Collaborations across borders can address skills mismatches and create a workforce equipped with creativity, innovation, and sustainable development expertise.”
The conference, hosted by Sarawak Skills in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD) and BIMP-EAGA, centered on themes pivotal to advancing TVET: fostering industry-institution partnerships, transforming ecosystems, and preparing the region’s workforce for the future.
International Contributions to the Dialogue
Among the distinguished speakers, Mr. Jonathan Ledger, UK TVET Consultant and Director of JJL Associates Ltd, emphasized the importance of embedding 21st – century competencies into TVET frameworks. Drawing on his extensive experience, he remarked,
“The digital and green economy demands new approaches in upskilling our workforce. Partnerships within and beyond BIMP-EAGA are crucial to equip our youth for global challenges.”
Ms. Kelly Milner, CEO of Pathways International Education Group, also shared insight on leveraging TVET as a tool for inclusivity.
She highlighted the importance of creating equitable access to skills training programs across rural and urban areas. “Ensuring every learner has a pathway to acquire and apply skills transforms not just individuals, but entire communities,” she stated, underscoring the role of innovative policies in bridging educational gaps.
Building the Foundations for Sustainable Development
In his speech, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz emphasized the critical need for institutions like Sarawak Skills to align academic curricula with rapidly evolving industry demands.
As a key contributor to Sarawak’s Post-Covid 19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), Sarawak Skills partners with over 80 industry stakeholders to transform Sarawak’s economic, digital, and educational landscape.
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz also recognized the contributions of various stakeholders and extended an invitation to international attendees to experience Sarawak’s rich culture and renowned hospitality, “This conference has sparked vibrant discussions and facilitated knowledge-sharing, all essential for building a sustainable future,” he added.
The Role of Dual-Language Policy in Driving Transformation
Premier Sarawak, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg highlighted Sarawak’s commitment to producing globally competent technologists during the conference.
Emphasizing the importance of Sarawak’s dual-language policy, which incorporates Bahasa Malaysia and English, he stated, “We aim to expand our global reach and acquire relevant knowledge to transform our economic base.”
Sarawak’s ambitions extend into cutting edge fields such as the aerospace industry. Through ICATS University College, degree courses in aerospace engineering are offered in collaboration with international institutions, underscoring the region’s emphasis on education as a tool for economic transformation.
Premier Sarawak also linked digitalization to the aerospace sector, pointing out the importance of satellite technologies in leveraging resources and advancing sustainable innovations.
Hydrogen-based technologies, another focal area for Sarawak, were highlighted as a clean energy alternative. With public transport initiatives powered by hydrogen fuel cells and expanded to cities like Bintulu, Sarawak’s push for renewable energy aligns with global sustainability goals. “In the next decade, the cost of hydrogen production could see significant reductions, creating more opportunities for its integration into our economy,” said Premier Sarawak, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari.
Adapting to the New Economy
Premier Sarawak, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari underscored how TVET plays an instrumental role in preparing the workforce for the demands of a new, technology driven economy.
Citing examples such as mechanized harvesting in the palm oil industry, he illustrated how skilled professionals using advanced tools earn higher wages and contribute to increased productivity. “These are the kind of high-skill, high-pay opportunities we need to cultivate through TVET,” he emphasized.
Sarawak’s Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Minister, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, echoed these sentiments through a speech delivered by Deputy Minister Datuk Francis Harden Hollis.
The ministry’s commitment to equipping youth with digital and adaptive skills ensures the readiness of Sarawak’s workforce for the future of work. “Addressing the skills gap through TVET is vital as demand for skilled professionals continues to rise across key industries,” the minister noted.
Key Insights from TVET Partnerships
TS. Dr. Mazlan Bin Hj. Md Zahid from University Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia Institute of Industrial Technology – UniKL, MITEC) shed light on the evolving role of TVET in addressing urban transportation challenges.
With rapid urbanization and a shift towards sustainable mobility, a highly skilled workforce is essential in areas such as transportation engineering, logistics, data analysis, and electric vehicle technologies.
Dr, Mazlan emphasized the importance of strong industry academic partnerships to align TVET curricula with practical, real-world needs.
He highlighted examples like Singapore’s SkillsFuture program, which provides financial and educational support for lifelong learning and upskilling. Key components such as the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Program and the National Digital Literacy Program demonstrate the effectiveness of public – private collaborations in advancing workforce capabilities.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The 4th BIMP-EAGA TVET Conference, attended by over 500 delegates from across the region, was a convergence of leaders, educators, and industry stakeholders working towards sustainable growth through education. Under the theme “Building a Sustainable Future Through TVET,” the conference underscored the shared vision of strengthening skills development in addressing the region’s economic and social challenges.
As the event concluded, the outcomes reaffirmed the transformative potential of collaboration in TVET to shape a resilient, innovative, and sustainable future for the BIMP-EAGA region.
