‘Former servicemen invaluable assets for S’wak’
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Former servicemen are invaluable assets to the state, says Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said these individuals, who had undergone extreme physical training and were very disciplined could act as a catalyst to spur the state socio- economic development.
They had the potential to be trained as human capital with enhanced capacity to contribute to the progress of Sarawak and Malaysia because their retirement age is only 40.
“As of last year, Sarawak has 17,000 veteran armed forces personnel.
“This group can contribute significantly to the socio- economy of Sarawak,” he said when launching the Ex- Servicemen Affairs Corporation ( Perhebat) - Universiti Malaysia Sarawak ( Unimas) Satellite Campus at Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman ( DeTAR) Putra, Unimas Campus here yesterday.
His text of speech was read out by Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin.
Abang Johari believed that the satellite campus would serve as a strategic collaboration between Perhebat and Unimas to provide skills training to veterans in the state.
“I’ve been informed that this satellite campus wants to enhance the technical skills and knowledge of former servicemen in various economic sectors. It is also a platform for former servicemen to hone their entrepreneurship skills so as to increase their income,” he added.
He said the state government welcomed any training programmes meant for veterans in recognition of their sacrifices and contributions.
He hoped that the satellite campus would help produce a lot more entrepreneurs who could explore business opportunities and be successful in their undertakings.
AbangJohariobservedthatsome quarters had negative perception towards entrepreneurship due to its risky nature.
“It is not easy to produce successful entrepreneurs, and the negative perception most people have for entrepreneurship does not help.
“As such, it is important for the government as well as the private sector and non- governmental organisations (NGOs) to heighten awareness on the importance of entrepreneurial development to ensure continued progress of our nation,” he said.
Perhebat chairman Lt Gen ( R) Datuk Seri Abdul Aziz Ibrahim and Unimas deputy vice chancellor ( student affairs and alumni) Prof Mohd Fadzil Abd Rahman were also present at the function.