Parents reminded of importance of technical education
MIRI: Parents ought to realise the importance of technical and vocational education in increasing the employability of their children in industries which are now driven by new technologies.
This is because industries now need skilled manpower, Miri District Education Office ( PPD) officer Dr Hassan Hasbollah said, though he did not deny the importance of academic excellence.
“Parents need to realise that the country needs skilled and competitive workforce to fill jobs in various industries,” he said at Kemahiran Sinar Kecemerlangan ( KSK) Carnival at Miri Civic Centre yesterday.
To meet the demands, he said PPD Miri collaborated with Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan ( SMK) Baru Miri to introduce KSK to students of Form 3, 4, 5 and Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia ( SPM) school leavers from 11 secondary schools around Miri.
On the carnival, he said it was jointly organised by PPD Miri with the Department of Skills Development (JPJK) Sarawak, Miri Resident Office, Miri Counselling Teachers Council ( MGK) and a SKM- certified centre as part of the efforts to promote Malaysian Skills Certificate ( SKM) courses to the community.
“This carnival focuses on exposing students to educationrelated opportunities in the field of science and skills as well as introducing the SKM,” he said.
According to him, as of July this year, a total of 412 students from secondary schools around Miri have enrolled in SKM courses and the number is expected to increase.
“The KSK will enhance the smart partnership between the school and the SKM- certified centre to improve the quality of education,” he explained.
Hence, he advised parents not to force their children to achieve excellence in academics but instead open their minds to technical and skills field.
“Parents are expected to better understand the interests and potential of their children and work together to look for ways to help develop their potential,” he said.
Meanwhile, about 1,000 students including parents attended the KSK carnival yesterday which saw 27 exhibition booths put up by various SKMcertified centres, government skills institutes, government agencies and private colleges.
The opening ceremony was performed by Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil, representing Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Also present were Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau, Majenah Lass from Miri Resident Office, SMK Baru Miri principal Jerrah Pandin, who is also the KSK committee deputy chairperson; and Skills Development Fund Corporation Sarawak regional office manager Muhamad Fahzrul Hafizi.