Abg Jo: Quality workforce needed for S’wak to become key aerospace hub in M’sia

KUCHING (Nov 30): Sarawak urgently needs a highly skilled workforce to support its ambitious mission of becoming a key aerospace industry hub in Malaysia, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

In a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report, he was cited as saying the aerospace industry demands individuals proficient in advanced technologies.

“When we talk about satellites, we must understand how to build rockets, as rockets are essential to reach orbit. Then, the satellites must be equipped with chips capable of reading and storing data from the Earth’s surface.

“That’s why Sarawak has tasked i-Cats University College with establishing an aerospace faculty and collaborating with international experts to teach these new technologies to our people.

“It’s an ambitious plan, but we have to start somewhere,” he said at the SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd dinner here on Friday.

He also announced the Sarawak government has approved an RM50 million investment to advance semiconductor technology.

“The Sarawak government has committed RM50 million in capital injection for SMD. In the previous budget, we included this capital injection and will closely monitor SMD’s performance because I understand that the semiconductor industry requires substantial capital to reach higher levels,” he explained.

Among those present were Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn and Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Sarawak Financial Secretary Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, SMD Semiconductor chief executive officer Shariman Jamil and other distinguished guests.