Kota Kinabalu: Sabah must strengthen human capital development through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (Tvet), skills upgrading and the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to build a workforce capable of competing regionally and globally, said Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib.
He said rapid advances in AI, automation, digitalisation and the transition to a green economy require Sabah to produce a highly skilled, innovative and resilient workforce, with Tvet continuing as a key pillar of the State's human capital development.
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In a speech delivered by the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Datuk Hassan Mahali, at the closing of the Sabah Labour Revolution Convention 2026 on Wednesday, James said the education system should produce job creators, innovators and leaders of the new economy instead of only job seekers.
James also voiced support for the Sabah Labour Department's labour education, advocacy and enforcement initiatives, saying enforcement protects workers' rights while ensuring law-abiding employers are not placed at a competitive disadvantage, with operations focusing on minimum wage compliance, timely salary payments, foreign worker reporting requirements and retrenchment notifications.
He urged Sabah to reduce its reliance on foreign labour by strengthening local talent development through Tvet, reskilling and upskilling so more Sabahans can secure quality jobs created by new investments and the growth of strategic economic sectors.
