KUCHING: Sarawak requires local graduates with expertise in engineering and chemistry to produce leather from state-owned gas resources.
In stating this Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg called on them to spearhead groundbreaking innovations in gas-based industries.
“This morning, I saw something about leather. Leather is usually associated with animals, skin, cows – all linked to skin. But this morning, I saw leather made from gas.
“Then there’s this process called cracking. Cracking of gas. Eventually, it produces leather from gas.
“I used to think leather came from cowhide, but it turns out it can come from gas. We have a lot of gas. So, we need our graduates to be able to produce leather from gas,” he said.
He said this during the Graduates Enhancement Training Sarawak- Work Readiness Programme (GETS-WRP) launching ceremony at Wisma Bapa Malaysia on Wednesday.
He stressed that developing such expertise among local talent is critical to unlocking the full potential of Sarawak’s gas reserves and propelling its economy forward.
“We need our graduates to master the science behind these processes, from basic engineering to advanced chemical analysis. By doing so, they can lead Sarawak’s journey towards a resource-based, high-income economy,” he explained.
Meanwhile, on the programme, Abang Johari said it aimed at equipping individuals with essential skills to excel in strategic sectors and that participants will undergo training in various key agencies, fostering personal and professional growth.
“The state government needs all of these, high skills and expertise. So, I hope you will be trained in that direction. And after that, you can pursue your own profession,the preferred profession.
“And perhaps after working, you would have the experience. You may have your own personal outfit for you. Not only to increase your income but rather to push our economy, so that we are not within that middle income trap economy,” said Abang Johari.
