ALUMASTER, CENTEXS urged to establish aluminium skills academy

KUCHING: ALUMASTER, through Classic Emas (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, should explore collaboration with the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) to establish an Aluminium Design & Fabrication Academy to develop skilled talent for the State’s emerging aluminium industry.

Batu Lintang assemblyman, See Chee How said the proposed academy could combine industry expertise with structured technical education and provide young Sarawakians with practical skills, factory exposure and clearer pathways to employment.

“An academy does not necessarily begin with a new building. An academy begins with a programme, a partnership and a purpose,” he said during the launching of ‘Hope Starts at Home’ initiative at Classic Emas (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, Demak Laut Industrial Park here today.

See said CENTEXS could provide structured technical education and certification, while ALUMASTER and Classic Emas could contribute industry expertise, machinery, factory exposure and on-the-job training.

He said trainees could be exposed to various aspects of the aluminium industry, including design, fabrication, assembly, fitting and installation, with practical training conducted in the factory environment.

“Our young people can learn design, fabrication, assembly, fitting and installation at CENTEXS – and then enter the factory for practical training. Let the factory become part of the classroom,” he said.

See said the initiative would ensure trainees graduate with more than a certificate, namely practical skills, industry experience and a pathway to employment.

“This is what industry-led TVET should achieve. Let industry tell us what skills it needs. Let our training institutions develop those skills. And let training lead to real jobs,” he said.

See said Sarawak must increasingly move beyond its traditional role as a producer of raw materials and basic commodities as the State’s economy continues to develop.

“We must move further downstream – from materials to products, from production to design, from manufacturing to innovation, and ultimately, from ‘Made in Sarawak’ to Sarawak brands,” he said.

He said the transformation of aluminium into furniture, customised fittings and finished products demonstrated the potential of downstream development to generate greater economic value within Sarawak.

See said the approach was consistent with the State’s development direction under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).

He also welcomed the charitable and community initiatives undertaken by ALUMASTER and Classic Emas, stressing that business growth should be matched by social responsibility.

“A successful company should not only ask how much business it can create, but also how much good it can contribute to the community around it.

“Giving someone assistance can help them today. Giving someone a skill can change their tomorrow,” he said.