Len Talif (fifth right) and Abang Johari on his right witness one of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) exchanges between Tegas and its strategic partners held in conjunction with the 12th SCaT Fair at HEEC in Kuching on Saturday. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (June 7): Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas) aims to transform the mindset of the younger generation in the state so that they become job creators rather than merely job seekers.
Its chairman Datuk Len Talif Salleh said this objective is one of Tegas’ key missions as it continues to develop future-ready talent through education, skills training, innovation and entrepreneurship.
“Tegas’ main focus is on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), entrepreneurship, and more recently, artificial intelligence (AI) and related fields.
“These sectors are the key drivers of Sarawak’s long-term transformation based on the model envisioned by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Through this ecosystem, our main mission is to transform the mindset of our young generation so that they become job creators and not merely job seekers.
“This effort is further strengthened under Sarawak Budget 2026 through Strategic Thrust Three, which focuses on building high-quality human capital capable of competing globally,” he said.
Len Talif said this in his opening remarks at the launch of the 12th Sarawak Career and Training (SCaT) Fair which was officiated by Abang Johari at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC) here on Saturday.
Len Talif, who is also Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, said Tegas has served as a catalyst for talent development since its establishment in 2012 by providing access to opportunities for youths throughout Sarawak, including those in rural areas.
He explained that SCaT Fair was organised as an integrated one-stop platform combining education opportunities, career pathways and educational assistance under one roof.
Visitors, he said, are able to explore academic and TVET programmes, attend job interviews offered by participating employers and obtain information on educational financing.
“The organisation of SCaT Fair for more than a decade reflects our continued support for state policies aimed at producing knowledgeable and highly skilled human capital that can adapt quickly to global technological changes.
“This is where Tegas acts as a catalyst by bringing together the entire talent development ecosystem, from schools and training institutions to the entrepreneurship community.
“Students are exposed to the bigger picture of how the technical skills they learn can be translated into high-impact career opportunities and value creation for society,” he said.
According to Len Talif, this year’s SCaT Fair has brought together government agencies, private sector organisations and higher learning institutions under one roof through more than 130 exhibition booths, with a target of attracting 25,000 visitors.
Among the highlights are the Sarawak Rocketeer Can Satellite (Can-Sat) Challenge, digital skills competitions including the Sarawak Minecraft Challenge, astronomy showcases at the Planetarium Sultan Iskandar Dome, TVET Master Competition, education and career exhibitions, open interviews, and the Oil and Gas Zone organised by Petros.
Len Talif also announced that Tegas will continue extending opportunities to youths in rural areas through the Project of Dreams Realized (PRoDR), which will travel to 14 locations across Sarawak, from Lawas to Lundu, over a one-month period.
“The initiative is aimed at ensuring that students in rural areas receive equal access to information and exposure on career opportunities and training programmes for a brighter future,” he said.
Beyond SCaT Fair, Tegas is set to organise more than 100 talent development programmes throughout the year, including the Borneo Makers Festival, SCALE Sarawak, Sarawak Shell LiveWire, Tegas Pre-Accelerator Bootcamp, DROBOTEX and the Startup World Cup Bootcamp East Malaysia Chapter.
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