Centexs Dalat to drive social mobility, skill development in Rural Sarawak
by Yunus Yussop · Borneo Post OnlineDALAT (Nov 29): The Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) Dalat is set to transform rural talent development and elevate technical education.
The campus was officially launched by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in conjunction with the eighth edition of Pesta Besaung Dalat.
State Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the establishment of Centexs Dalat reflected the government’s firm commitment to inclusive development and the Premier’s vision of ensuring rural youths gained equal access to world-class training.
“Today is a historic moment for Dalat. Centexs Dalat is a manifestation of our Premier’s dedication towards uplifting rural communities and ensuring no area is left behind as Sarawak advances towards developed and high-income status by 2030,” she said.
She said Centexs Dalat offers 16 main programmes, 10 Community Technology Outreach Programmes (CTOP), and specialised training in digital technology, hospitality, services, and emerging economic sectors.
“Students from Dalat, Matu, Daro, Mukah, Balingian, Selangau, Kapit and nearby districts will benefit from high-value courses aligned with industry needs.
“CTOP will also open opportunities for lifelong learning, enabling community members to access digital, technical and creative skills.
“Centexs Dalat becomes a driver of social mobility for rural families. It brings the gold standard for technical excellence right into the heart of Dalat,” she said.
Fatimah added the Centexs Senate had approved the Language Technology Centre, offering Melanau, English and Mandarin, and the Certificate in Training for Elderly Caregivers, combining elderly and palliative care — the first integrated programme of its kind in Sarawak.
She pointed out that these initiatives followed expert findings at the Sarawak International Conference on Ageing, highlighting the critical shortage of trained caregivers in Malaysia.
She noted that based on the Kuznets Curve, Dalat remains in the developing phase and requires continuous high-impact investments to reach its full potential.
To accelerate this, she highlighted several priority projects requiring the Premier’s continued support, including the Dalat Boutique Hotel, upgrading of the Dalat–Sibu Road, establishment of Anjung Usahawan Dalat, and construction of 30 Rumah Spektra Permata under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
“With the Premier’s strategic leadership, Dalat can rise to the next phase of development,” she said.
Fatimah also thanked the Premier for supporting Pesta Besaug Dalat, describing it as a vital cultural platform capable of strengthening unity, boosting the rural economy, and nurturing Melanau roots.