KUCHING – After taking part in a two-day biotechnology, computing and engineering workshops, 60 students who had recently completed PT3 now have a better idea of what these courses involve and career options they offer.
The secondary school students from the outskirts of Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong and Sematan were participants at the Training and Industrial Awareness 2.0 program.
It was organised by the Workforce Development Unit of the Sarawak Chief Minister’s Department, Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Bumiputera Sarawak (TEGAS) and the Sarawak Education Department.
The workshops, hosted by Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, gave the students hands-on experience in the three disciplines.
“The program was very useful for students in helping them choose their course in the future,” said Muhammad Shah Haiqal bin Jameli from SMK Asajaya in Samarahan.
Muhammad Shah, who aspires to be an engineer or doctor, said he found the disciplines fascinating and hoped that such courses will be available when it comes time for him to pursue tertiary education.
“The most important thing I learned is about choosing the right career because it will help me a lot in the future,” said Najwatul Azua Binti Mohammad Nazib from the same school.
On the workshops, she said: “It was very interesting and enjoyable because they taught me many things such as binary numbers, biotechnology, awareness of career path and much more.”
For Nurfarah Diyana Binti Hud of SMK Seri Setia in Kuching, the program was eye-opening.
“I learned about engineering as a career, and it helped me decide where I should be in Form Four,” referring to the art or science streams PT3 students are allocated to depending on their public exam result.
The students were part of about 200 selected for the TRIA program, aimed to create awareness and develop interest among students in technical vocational education and training, as well as in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
In addition to helping students learn about courses, institutions and career pathways that match Sarawak’s industrial needs, it was aimed to expose the students to the industries and career opportunities.
TEGAS hopes to increase the number of students in science stream.
Students from Bau, Lundu and Saratok were also selected for the program while Swinburne Sarawak was the only private institution selected to conduct biotechnology, computing and science awareness activities. Other institutions involved were UNIMAS and Politeknik Kuching Sarawak.
