The Sarawak Skills Group of Learning Institutions (Sarawak Skills) and the Sibu Automobile Repairers Association (SARA) have embarked on a joint strategic initiative to upgrade the automotive skill sets of SARA’s members comprising owners and technicians from various automotive workshops and service centres in Sarawak’s central region. Recently, two batches have completed Sarawak Skills’ short course in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles Service and Maintenance.

The two-day “Introduction to Hybrid and Electric Vehicles Service and Maintenance” course was conducted at the Automotive and Welding Institute of Sarawak (AWISAR) located at the Demak Laut Industrial Estate, Kuching. A total of thirty-two (32) participants from SARA (16 participants per batch) completed the course in January and February this year. AWISAR is part of the Sarawak Skills Group of Learning Institutions.

Commenting on the aforementioned course, Mr. Hallman bin Sabri, Executive Director of Sarawak Skills thanked SARA for taking that all-important first step to equip its members with industry-relevant skill sets, specifically in the area of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles Service and Maintenance. He highlighted, “The course covers an overview of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles with a focus on working principles, technologies, and safety working procedures around electric/hybrid vehicles. There was also a session on electric/hybrid vehicle hazard management for emergency and recovery personnel. During the two-day programme, the practical sessions enabled the participants to “grow their expertise” by gaining first-hand knowledge and skills in the aforementioned areas. Indeed, this programme will boost industry-relevant knowledge and skills for those involved in this industry, including engineers, supervisors and technicians.”

With regard to related developments at the Sarawak Skills Group of Learning Institutions, Mr. Hallman who is also the Chairman of the Federation of Malaysian Skills Development Centres (FMSDC) shared, “Over the years, the various industry sectors have played a leading role in managing and determining the direction of Sarawak Skills through its representatives in the Sarawak Skills Management Council. We enjoy strong support from the industry with more than 75 members from various industry sectors such as oil and gas, plantation (oil palm), timber, manufacturing, engineering, aviation, automotive and many other priority industries.” He continued, “SARA has been a member of Sarawak Skills since 2022. In this respect, I am pleased to share that with the support of the Sarawak Government, Sarawak Skills in collaboration with SARA will be setting up the Sibu Automotive Technology Centre. I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Sarawak Government and SARA for this wonderful opportunity to develop the youths and working adults in Sarawak’s central region. Indeed, this is a shining example of all stakeholders coming together as Strategic Partners in Talent Development to support the transformation of Sarawak’s six key economic sectors (main engines of growth) in line with the Sarawak Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).”

The short course in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles Service and Maintenance would also be suitable for members of the public who are interested to learn about hybrid and electric vehicles service and maintenance. For more information, please contact Ts. Jaidil bin Yakop, General Manager of AWISAR (082-496280, 019-8591370, e-mail: jaidil@sarawakskills.edu.my). Information on various corporate training programmes can also be obtained from Sarawak Skills’ website: sarawakskills.edu.my.