KUCHING: Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp) is allocating RM1mil in internship matching grants for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Sarawak.
The grants, under TalentCorp's Internship Matching Grant Initiative for SMEs and Start-Ups (LiKES), aim to assist Sarawak SMEs in training and nurturing future-ready talent.
Welcoming the allocation, state Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah said it was in line with the Sarawak government's commitment to ensure that the state's economic aspirations were matched with the right talent strategies.
Under the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS), he said, Sarawak aimed to create 500,000 skilled jobs, raise the median household income to RM15,049 and ensure that every Sarawakian has access to meaningful employment across diverse industries.
"To achieve this, we are prioritising innovation, inclusivity and sustainability.
"This includes building a strong ecosystem for renewable energy, developing green-powered industries, strengthening our semiconductor value chain and preparing our people for the digital economy," he said when opening TalentCorp's Industry Connect event here on Wednesday (Sept 24).
Sagah also said it was important for industries and the workforce to keep up with rapid developments in digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
"Our local talents must be equipped with the right skills, digital tools and mindsets to thrive in the changing landscape," he said.
TalentCorp group chief executive officer Thomas Mathew said the RM1mil allocation will support 700 internship placements across 400 Sarawak SMEs in all sectors.
"Internship is key to preparing students for the workforce. This initiative will help SMEs to nurture the next generation of Sarawakian talent," he said.
Thomas also said Sarawak required more skilled, future-ready talent to sustain its economic growth, particularly in semiconductor investments and renewable energy projects.
He said TalentCorp's critical occupations list showed that Sarawak faced shortages in skilled trades, engineering, digital technology, healthcare and education.
"Closing these gaps is essential to unlock the state's economic ambitions," he said, adding that TalentCorp was keen to work with the Sarawak government in talent development to meet its goals.
