KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has to focus on producing competitive and innovative graduates to meet the state’s skilled labour needs, says the Chief Minister.
Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said such graduates should be able to compete not only nationally but internationally too, as part of the government’s direction under 12th Malaysia Plan to focus on talent development.
He said UMS and other higher education institutions must strengthen cooperation with industry players to ensure graduates meet the requirements of the various businesses.
He said cooperation with industry players should be in research and development, commercialisation and innovation.
“The state government focuses on wooing investors who need skilled labour to meet the demand of the respective industries.
“I hope that UMS will be capable of producing such graduates,” he said during the 29th UMS new intake session 2023/2024 yesterday.
Hajiji said the state government remained committed towards working with UMS in raising education standards to meet development plans under Sabah Maju Jaya.
“Our focus is on the industrial, agricultural and tourism sectors as the main thrust in reviving the economy and this includes human capital development.
“A good education will help change the quality of life of the people who ultimately contribute to the success and excellence of the country, in particular Sabah state.
“We don’t want anyone to be marginalised from receiving education in this state.
“Several initiatives have been taken by the government to help Sabahans continue their studies to a higher level,” he said.
As part of these efforts, he said the state government had introduced the Student Consultative Council Sabah for students to air their views.
In addition, he said the setting up of the Sabah Student Secretariat was to act as a liaison body between students and the state government.
Hajiji, who is UMS pro-chancellor, said the university had helped with development efforts in the state and was now one of the leading universities in the country.
