The state government is calling on various organisations to work with schools and institutions of higher learning to create interest among the young people in ICT.

Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said the support from the various organisations is vital as the government cannot develop the state’s digital economy on its own. He said one of the ways to help is through offers of internship and/or the awarding of scholarship to the young people.

“With the Sarawak government having set its sights on developing the state’s economy into a digital one, we need to get our young people interested in and on board ICT or related careers.

“I look to businesses and industries to play a key role in retaining our local computing experts.

“Corporations also need to reinvent themselves in view of the growth and spread of ICT in the industries today,” he said at the launching of ‘Big Day in Sarawak’ and the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing between Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus and Australian Computer Society (ACS) at the multi-purpose hall of Swinburne Sarawak here yesterday.

He applauded Swinburne Sarawak and ACS for coming together through the MoU to work on facilitating the recognition of a skilled ICT professional workforce as a key driver for national productivity, innovation and wellbeing; to promote and develop the ICT profession and the associated professionalism; and promote IT and related technology career pathways as an enviable study option to young people.

This move, he said, was commendable in view of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) Talent Supply-Demand study 2013-2017 which had reported that there would be a shortage of 5,000 to 7,000 ICT graduates from 2014 to 2017.

He noted that the Manpower Group’s Talent Shortage Survey 2015 found that IT staff were ranked fifth in terms of most difficult-to-fill jobs for the Asia-Pacific region. Globally, a shortfall in ICT professionals is also expected, he added.

Abang Johari also urged parents, who are oftentimes decision makers in their children’s career choices and therefore, what they study in higher education, to learn more about digital technology and how it is driving the future of the world today.

“Support your children’s decision if they choose computing as their career choice.”

The Chief Minister stressed that to compete effectively in the 21st century, organisations can no longer rely on the traditional way of doing business. He said the ‘business as usual’ mentality must give way, adding that technology must be part of their inventory and they need to engage experts in the field.

“On our part, the state government is committed to developing ICT infrastructure for speed of connectivity, promote Sarawak as a place to host data centres, promote e-learning among youths and establish a Digital Village and the E-Commerce Transformation Plan to 2030.

“As high-speed broadband and high connectivity is the foundation of a digital economy, the Sarawak government aims to provide high-speed broadband connection to improve the level of economic development and the lives of our people,” he said.

Source:
courtesy of THE BORNEO POST

by Rintos Mail

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