KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd are developing a customised certification and diploma programme to produce skilled workers to meet current and future industry demands.
The university’s Board of Directors chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan said Esteel was also developing a steel manufacturing plant in Sipitang.
“Esteel approached us, and we are now working on a customised certification and diploma programme tailored to the company’s specific needs,” he said when met recently.
“What is significant about this investment is the massive demand for steel, especially in Sabah, Sarawak, and Indonesia’s new capital city, Nusantara, in Kalimantan. With Sabah producing steel locally, we are strategically positioned to supply this growing regional demand,” he added.
Responding to the recent launch of Esteel’s first-phase development by Anwar on May 30, Abdul Rahman said the project represents one of the most significant investments ever in Sabah’s West Coast South region.
“The total investment for the first phase is RM6.4bil, but this could rise to RM31bil over four phases. At full capacity, the project is expected to create around 10,000 jobs,” he said.
He also pointed out the state government’s role in securing the Esteel investment.
“We have directly engaged with the investor without involving third-party intermediaries. We have made sure they feel welcomed and receive full cooperation from the state. That is something we are very proud of,” he said.
Abdul Rahman stated that Esteel would be collaborating with UMS in the next month or two to outline the technical skills needed for the plant’s operations and, in turn, the curriculum.
“We have asked Esteel to establish specific quotas and start grooming talent from day one. These students will be immersed in real-world applications from the outset, ensuring they are job-ready,” he said, adding that the industry-led training model was more effective than traditional, government-driven training schemes.
Abdul Rahman also stated that the state had secured an understanding with Esteel, whereby a portion of the subcontracting work would be awarded to qualified local contractors.
