KUCHING: The Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) and the Ministry of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD) have joined forces to build a high-skilled workforce by 2030, marking a significant step for Sarawak’s economy.

This partnership was formalised during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Industry Continuous Development Programme (iCPD) seminar, held at the Imperial Hotel, Kuching. 

The collaboration aims to equip local talent with the skills needed to meet the rapidly evolving demands of the job market, ultimately fostering a competitive and resilient workforce.

The event was officiated by Sarawak Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn,who stressed the importance of upskilling and reskilling to ensure Sarawak’s workforce is prepared for the future. 

MPC Deputy Director-General, Dr Mazrina Mohamed Ibramsah,  highlighted that this partnership aligns with Sarawak’s goal of achieving 30 per cent skilled workers, or 500,000 high-skilled individuals, by 2030. 

“Our commitment with MEITD Sarawak is key to strengthening talent development and ensuring a competitive future workforce,” she said.

As part of this initiative, MPC has introduced the Academy in Industry (ADI), designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry needs. 

This programme offers practical experiences in real work environments, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for the challenges of the modern job market.

Dr Mazrina noted Sarawak’s strong economic growth, contributing over 10 per cent to Malaysia’s GDP in 2023. She emphasised the need for skilled workers in key sectors like the digital economy, tourism, and renewable energy.

“The ADI initiative will play a crucial role in supporting these growth areas by providing the technical skills and expertise required,” she added. 

MPC and MEITD are confident that their collaboration will have a lasting positive impact on Sarawak’s productivity and competitiveness, driving sustainable economic growth and improving the quality of life for its people.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Minister for Talent Development of MEITD, Datuk Francis Harden Hollies, and several other key officials from both MPC and MEITD.-UKASnews