To realise Sarawak’s aspirations towards becoming an innovative and technologically-driven economy, it requires 10,000 registered technologists and technicians from the State by 2025.
This was revealed by the Premier of Sarawak YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg during his speech at the inaugural Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) Borneo Symposium at Borneo Cultures Museum, Kuching on 11 May 2023.
He explained the need for more high-skilled talents as the State aims to be at the forefront of Industry 5.0, with plans to establish the first full-scale industrial research capacity university in Southeast Asia as part of the Sarawak Smart City development, for example.
But while professionals such as engineers and researchers tend to be looked upon when it comes to technical-related fields, technologists and technicians are equally important in the production of any technology and service, making them crucial players in driving innovation and the economy forwards.
“That is why I am fully supportive of any initiatives that enhance the capacity of technologists and technicians in Sarawak like we hold today.
“I want industry players, education and skilled development institutions as well as Government agencies to work together in promoting and developing technological talents. Not only that, trade associations and learned societies must play their role in this journey,” he added.
About MBOT Borneo Symposium
- The first event of its kind by MBOT, in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Association of Professional Technicians and Technologists (APTT), a learned society based in Sarawak.
- Themed “Preparing a Sustainable Workforce”, it aims to promote and recognise the contributions of technologists and technicians, particularly those in Sarawak and Sabah.
- In conjunction with the symposium, MBOT launched MBOT Student Chapter, Talent Upskilling and Networking for Employment (TUNE) – a new initiative to support students pursuing vocational and technical programmes with the knowledge, skills and exposure needed before entering the workforce.
- 8 MoUs were also signed between MBOT and various higher education institutions and technological-based organisations during the event.
Source: https://www.mbot.org.my/media/news/mbot-borneo-symposium-2023/
About MBOT
Established in 2016, MBOT is a professional body that gives professional recognition to technologists and technicians in related technology and technical field.
Vision: To be a world class professional body for technologists and technicians.
Mission: To elevate the standing, visibility and recognition of technologists and technicians.
Objective: To increase the pool of skilled workforce required to attain a high income economy, and to protect public safety and health
Total Number of Registrants (as of May 2023):
- 41,179 Graduate Technologists
- 8,410 Qualified Technicians
- 18,765 Professional Technologists
- 2,262 Certified Technicians
- 70K++ MBOT Registrants
Source: https://www.mbot.org.my/about-us/mbot/
How Many Technologists and Technicians Are There in Sarawak?
As of May 2023, there are 3,291 registered technologists and technicians:
- 1,961 Graduate Technologists
- 461 Qualified Technicians
- 722 Professional Technologists
- 147 certified technicians
References:
MBOT – Malaysia Board Of Technologists. (n.d.). About Us. https://www.mbot.org.my/about-us/mbot/
MBOT – Malaysia Board of Technologists. (2023, May 11). MBOT BORNEO SYMPOSIUM 2023. https://www.mbot.org.my/media/news/mbot-borneo-symposium-2023/
Nur, S.A. (2023, May 11). Premier: S’wak needs to produce 6,000 technicians, technologists to achieve 2025 goal. Borneo Post Online. https://www.theborneopost.com/2023/05/11/premier-swak-needs-to-produce-6000-technicians-technologists-to-achieve-2025-goal/
Sarah, H.C. (2023, May 12). MBOT Borneo Symposium aims to recognise contributions of technologists, technicians. New Sarawak Tribune. https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/mbot-borneo-symposium-aims-to-recognise-contributions-of-technologists-technicians/
