Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government wants at least 80 per cent of jobs created by investor companies in the State to be filled by local workers, said Deputy Chief Minister III cum Sabah Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transportation Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick.
He said the target aligns with the Sabah First approach, which emphasises greater participation of Sabahans in the industrial sector as the State attracts more investment.
“The intention is to ensure at least 80 per cent of these job opportunities are filled by local workers,” he said in his speech after officiating the Sabah Industries Career Program 2026, here, on Friday.
Ewon said efforts to attract investment must go hand in hand with preparing Sabahans with the skills needed to take up the jobs created.
He said the manufacturing sector was among the State’s strategic sectors, contributing to economic growth while providing opportunities for Sabahans to develop skills, master technology and build expertise.
“Industrial requirements are constantly changing in line with technological developments. Therefore, qualifications alone are not enough. We need a competent workforce that is ready to learn new skills and adapt to changes in the workplace,” he said.
Ewon said stronger cooperation between the Government, industry players, educational institutions, and training providers was needed to ensure training programmes matched the skills employers require.
He said industry players also had an important role in developing local talent by identifying the skills needed, providing workplace training and giving workers opportunities to improve their capabilities.
On KIS 2026, he said the programme, now in its second edition, provided a platform for employers to meet job seekers while connecting industry players with educational institutions and training providers.
He said the success of the programme should ultimately be measured by the actual opportunities secured by Sabahans, including job interviews, employment placements and training opportunities.
“I hope the cooperation established throughout this programme will continue after KIS 2026 ends, including through interview opportunities, job placements and training,” he said.
Ewon also urged youths and job seekers to use the programme to meet employers, understand available career opportunities and explore suitable training pathways.
He said careers in the industrial sector could provide a pathway for workers to build expertise and experience and develop their careers.
KIS 2026 is the second edition of the programme aimed at strengthening the link between Sabah’s workforce and employment opportunities in the industrial sector.
