KOTA KINABALU: Sabah requires more highly skilled local workers to ensure its people become the main drivers of its economic growth and development, says state Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib.
He said human capital development must progress in tandem with physical development as well as government efforts to attract investment and strengthen new economic sectors.
He said the state cannot rely solely on external labour but must expand educational and skills training opportunities to produce more qualified locals who can meet industry needs.
"We want Sabahans to be part of the driving force of the state’s economy, not just spectators to development in their own land," he said in his keynote address at the PETRONAS Empowering Knowledge Sabah 2026 Education Sponsorship Awards ceremony here on Friday (Aug 28).
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James said that education is one of the most important investments for Sabah’s future, as infrastructure, industrial zones and investments must be supported by people with knowledge, skills and the ability to drive development.
He said technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is a key focus of the state government in strengthening human capital development and preparing a workforce aligned with industry demands.
In this regard, he welcomed PETRONAS’ support through the Kimanis Petroleum Training Centre (KTC), which will see 22 trainees pursuing the Malaysian Skills Diploma in Industrial Instrumentation and Control Systems.
He said this field is strategically valuable in supporting modern industry needs, particularly in the oil and gas sector, as well as other growing industries.
"Sabah is moving towards a more diversified economy. We need skilled workers not only in oil and gas, but also in manufacturing, construction, energy, tourism, modern agriculture, technology and the digital economy," he added.
James said collaboration involving government, educational institutions and industry must be strengthened to ensure that training truly matches job market requirements.
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"The government provides the ecosystem, educational and training institutions provide the talent, while industry opens the space for them to grow.
"When all three move together, we can produce a Sabah workforce that truly meets industry needs," he said.
He said the state appreciated the PETRONAS Small Scholarship, which provides educational opportunities for secondary school students in Sabah.
For the 2026/27 session, 25 Sabah students were selected to receive the scholarship, bringing the total number of recipients since its introduction in 2023 to 140.
Nine recipients of the scholarship succeeded in securing full sponsorship under the PETRONAS Empowering Knowledge 2026 Education Sponsorship Programme.
"We do not want to merely produce graduates. We want to produce Sabah talents with knowledge, skills, values, and the ability to lead," he said.
