Hajiji: Human capital at core of Sabah's blue economy ambitions

Dr Joachim (fourth left) presents a certificate of appreciation for strategic partnership in conjunction with National Training Week (NTW 2025) state-level to Zara Boutique Hotel Kota Kinabalu Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Eliza Goh.
KOTA KINABALU (June 19): The Sabah government continues to place strong emphasis on human capital development as a central pillar in driving its economic growth, particularly in realising the full potential of the state's expanding blue economy sector.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said this focus is essential to ensure Sabahans are equipped with the right skills and knowledge in line with global economic shifts.
He stressed that the world has changed significantly and Sabah must evolve alongside it.
Holding on to outdated systems, he said, is no longer an option. Instead, Sabah requires a highly skilled, competitive workforce capable of pushing the state's development forward.
His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister II cum State Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam, during the opening of the Sabah Blue Economy Skillfest 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Thursday.
Hajiji said the state government, through the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan, remains committed to crafting inclusive and sustainable policies that enhance the capabilities of the people as Sabah enters a new economic era. With the state's wealth of marine resources, he emphasised the importance of preparing Sabahans to tap into this potential in a sustainable and informed manner.
According to him, between 2021 and 2024, the state government allocated RM848.26 million across four major education channels, benefiting close to 246,000 recipients. These investments included allocations under the Sabah State Education Fund, the State Government Scholarship Scheme, educational assistance from the Office of the Deputy State Secretary (Special Tasks) and support provided through Yayasan Sabah.
For this year alone, RM497.54 million has been earmarked to continue efforts in strengthening human capital development. Hajiji said this reflects the government's strong commitment to producing a generation that is competent, innovative and guided by integrity.
He also commended HRD Corp for its role in boosting the state's workforce, having successfully trained 61,448 individuals in Sabah throughout 2024, with total funding surpassing RM58.2 million. Programmes like Skillfest, he said, not only open up new employment opportunities but also support the state's strategic efforts to nurture talent across the blue economy.
Skillfest 2025 aims to draw the participation of 2,500 individuals and forms part of the National Training Week (NTW) 2025 Sabah, which targets over 67,000 participants statewide this year.
Hajiji said the collaboration between HRD Corporation and the Sabah Maju Jaya Secretariat (SSMJ) in organising Skillfest is a clear example of the type of strategic partnership needed to expand access to lifelong learning for all Sabahans, regardless of background.
The programme, he added, is a continuation of the momentum built during the successful Sabah International Blue Economy Conference (SIBEC) 2024, which drew international attention and established Sabah's reputation as a key player in the regional blue economy.
In concluding his message, Hajiji urged the people of Sabah to seize the opportunities provided through initiatives like Skillfest. He expressed hope that similar programmes would be expanded across the state, contributing to the development of a vibrant and inclusive lifelong learning ecosystem for all.

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