KUCHING: Sarawak aims to create 195,000 high-paying jobs by 2030 as part of its post-Covid-19 development strategy to become a high-income economy, says Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

       He said this would generate a total employment of 1.5 million by 2030 in the state.

       "The post-Covid-19 development strategy is a long-term realignment plan that focuses on the state's overall socioeconomic development through equitable distribution of wealth via jobs and creation of business opportunities.

       "We have to realign the state's economic direction in order to stay on track to achieve the vision of becoming a developed and high-income economy by 2030," he said when launching the Graduate Enhancement Training Sarawak 4.0 (GETS) programme here on Wednesday (Sept 15).

       Abang Johari said the development strategy incorporated human capital and talent development, including digital skills and competencies, to meet the anticipated creation of new jobs.

       In line with this, he urged Sarawakian graduates to take advantage of the opportunities the state's digitalisation agenda would provide.

       "I believe GETS 4.0 plays an important role in cultivating digital leaders and instilling the culture of embracing digital technology and solutions in our work processes," he said.

       He noted that the GETS programme was designed with a focus on digital competencies such as data analytics and problem-solving skills, which would help the state develop digital and creative talents for its workforce.

       GETS 4.0 is a 12-month internship programme for Sarawakian graduates to improve their digital and leadership skills at government agencies, government-linked companies and the private sector.

       The programme is now in its third cohort with 437 interns this year after commencing in 2019 with 321 successful applicants and 301 last year.