Oil and Gas Career Expo Opens to Foster Local Talent Development

(Miri, 22nd) The Sarawak Oil and Gas Workers Association (SOGWA) today hosted the 2025 Oil and Gas Job, Career, and Training Fair at the Miri Industrial Training Institute (ILP Miri), attracting numerous job seekers, training institutions, and industry enterprises.

This event invited Datuk Gerawat Gala, Deputy Minister of the Sarawak Prime Minister's Department (Labor, Immigration, and Project Monitoring) and the State Assemblyman for Mulu, as the guest of honor, represented by Miri Mayor Adam Yii. Additionally, many government officials, corporate representatives, and training institution leaders were invited to participate in discussions on promoting local talent development in Sarawak's oil and gas industry.

In his speech, Datuk Gerawat Gala emphasized that the oil and gas industry has always been a crucial pillar of Sarawak's economy, having a profound impact on the state's development. However, for the industry to ensure long-term sustainable development, local talent cultivation and empowerment are critical.

He stated that this career fair is not just a platform for providing employment opportunities but also an essential initiative for skill enhancement, talent matching, and building a sustainable talent pool.

He pointed out the importance of reducing reliance on foreign professionals and highlighted the necessity of providing suitable skill training, knowledge enhancement, and employment opportunities to enable local young talents to have more development opportunities.

He further stated that enterprises and training institutions play a key role in developing and enhancing Sarawak's workforce. By investing in training, skill enhancement, and knowledge transfer, a highly skilled, competitive, and independent local talent pool can be established.

In addition, he emphasized that close collaboration between the government, industry organizations, and educational institutions is crucial to ensure future talent reserves for the Sarawak oil and gas industry. He encouraged major companies to support the 'Train & Place' training program launched by Petros to cultivate more professionals meeting industry demands.

The exhibition attracted renowned oil and gas companies such as Petronas, Petros, and Shell, which set up multiple booths providing career counseling, skill training, and employment opportunities.

SOGWA Chairman Jamal Abdullah stated that the exhibition not only helps job seekers understand industry needs but also builds a platform for companies to recruit talent, promoting the sustainable development of the local oil and gas industry.

He urged the younger generation to actively participate in industry training and enhance their skills to meet future challenges and opportunities in the oil and gas industry.