Sarawak expands R&D push, targets commercialisation

SARAWAK is expanding its technical training programmes into emerging industries, including aerospace, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors and drone technology, to strengthen its local talent pool and meet future workforce demands.

Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) had trained 296 trainees through its Aerospace Academy since its establishment in 2024, with all 36 graduates from its first cohort securing employment offers.

“The graduates were trained in Aerospace Sheet Metal and Machining Operations, highlighting the demand for industry-relevant technical skills,” he said.

Winding up his ministerial speech on Monday (Oct 19), Sagah said CENTEXS was exploring new training opportunities in fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, drone technology, as well as air cargo and passenger services.

He said the proposed Flying Academy initiatives aimed to strengthen Sarawak’s local talent pool and develop skilled workers for emerging and high-growth industries.

“Beyond aerospace, CENTEXS continues to strengthen industry-driven training across strategic sectors, including AI and digital technologies, semiconductors, digital construction, robotics, space technology, green mining and quarrying, and gas and energy,” he added.

Sagah said these initiatives, developed with strategic industry partners, would enhance local technical capabilities and ensure skills development remained aligned with emerging technologies and evolving industry needs.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Skills will continue implementing industry-driven technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes, alongside workforce upskilling and reskilling initiatives.

These include a pineapple cultivation programme conducted with the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board’s Sarawak office.

Sagah said Sarawak Skills would expand its modular training and Akademi Dalam Industri programmes while strengthening existing competencies through the Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning initiative.

“The TalentPath Programme would also provide specialised training in harvesting and electrical skills to equip Sarawakians with practical, industry-relevant competencies and improve their employability.

“In the automotive sector, the Advanced Automotive Training Centre will strengthen local expertise in electric, hybrid and hydrogen-powered vehicle technologies,” he said.

Sagah said the combined initiatives would help develop a skilled, adaptable and future-ready workforce capable of meeting Sarawak’s changing industrial requirements.

The expansion of specialised training reflects the state’s push to equip local workers with technical expertise as industries embrace new technologies and demand increasingly specialised skills.