Len speaks during the press conference. — Photo by Tan Song Wei
 

KUCHING: The Sarawak Career and Training Fair (SCaT) 2018, to be held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) from March 9 to 11, is a platform for youths in the state to look for job opportunities.

Assistant Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datu Len Talif Salleh said around 5,500 vacancies would be offered by various companies during the fair to assist in addressing the unemployment issue, particularly among graduates.

“There are many job opportunities available during the three-day fair but of course, it is also up to the job seekers to apply for the positions they are looking for. Since there are many unemployed graduates these days, I hope that they will take this opportunity to apply for a job,” he told a press conference at BCCK here yesterday.

The SCaT co-chairman added that around 1,500 students  from Kuching, Kota Samarahan and Serian divisions have been invited to the fair, which is jointly organised by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Research and Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Bumiputera Sarawak (Tegas).

“This is in line with the fair’s objectives of providing a platform to provide sufficient information on education and career opportunities to the public; to enhance the employability of graduates or youths; to empower youths to make more informed decision for the future; and to nurture interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) among school children.”

Len, who is also Tegas chairman, added that Tegas would be organising STEM Playground 2018, an interactive family-friendly exhibition with the aim to spark interest among students in STEM.

“This year’s STEM Playground will be bigger and better, featuring more fun activities by partners including the state Education Department, Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation, Shell Malaysia, Petronas, Makerspace, State Library (Pustaka), DreamCatcher, Chumbaka, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia, University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak, Politeknik Kuching, Petrosar Academy, Codelab, IME Group of Companies, Planetarium Sultan Iskandar, and Azendian Solutions Sdn Bhd,” he said, adding that the first STEM Playground held in conjunction with last year’s SCaT attracted more than 10,000 visitors.

Registration for STEM Playground can be made online via stemplayground.eventbrite.com.
Another highlight is none other than the annual ‘Next Big Chef’ cooking competition hosted by UCSI University.
“The aim of the competition is to promote delicate skills and arts of culinary and its related job opportunities while generating impact in the tourism and hospitality industry under the Entry Point Project (EPP) 10 of the Malaysia Economic Transformation Programme.

“The winner for this year’s ‘Next Big Chef’ will receive cash prizes, medals, certificates and a scholarship from UCSI University worth up to RM22,500,” said Len.

He added that visitors to the fair would also be able to listen to talks on various topics such as ‘Leadership in Digital Era’, ‘Embracing Global Social Entrepreneurship Culture as the Future of Workforce’, ‘Study in Australia’, and ‘Data Analytics as a Career in Digital Economy’.

SCaT 2018 is open to the public from 8am to 5pm, with the opening ceremony on March 10 expected to be officiated at by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.