Kota Kinabalu: The implementation of the Pan Borneo Highway Project in Sabah provided training opportunities for 393 graduate participants under the Professional and Education for Growing Entrepreneurs (Protégé) programme.
Speaking to reporters after an Aidilfitri Open House event, State Public Works Minister, Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, said the Public Works Department, under the Pan Borneo Highway Sabah Sector, is targeting a total of 2,300 participants in the Protégé programme by 2028.
The initiative aims to encourage graduates, especially those in technical fields, to join the programme and gain valuable experience in the construction industry.
Shahelmey said the Department has implemented the programme through the involvement of project management consultants, design consultants and contractors working on the Pan Borneo Highway project.
“This involves four consultants and 15 work package contractors throughout Sabah,” he said, emphasising the project’s commitment to providing training opportunities for local talent.
However, the Minister acknowledged that one of the challenges faced by the project implementers is the lack of interest among graduates to be placed in rural areas, due to the remote locations of construction site offices and a shortage of technical graduates from local universities.
To address this issue and ensure the smooth running of the Protégé programme, the Department and project implementers have established a main secretariat under the Project Management Consultant.
“In an effort to continue achieving the 100 percent target under the implementation of the project, this secretariat will oversee the participation and coordination of the Protégé programme,” he said.
The Pan Borneo Highway Project, a massive infrastructure initiative aimed at improving connectivity and economic development in East Malaysia, has been progressing steadily.
Shahelmey said four out of 15 work packages in Phase 1 have been opened to road users.
