Kota Kinabalu: The Federal Government plans to establish a unique one-stop Sabah Talent Development Centre (STDC) aimed at reducing Sabah’s unemployment rate and positioning it as a regional talent hub for Borneo, said Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan.
He said the STDC would serve as a centralised platform to coordinate education, technical training, skills development and industry workforce needs.
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“It is also expected to produce major positive transformation for Sabah’s society, especially young people,” he said in his speech during the opening of the Lindung Kerjaya MYFutureJobs Sabah 2026 Carnival, here, Saturday.
The announcement comes amid continued concern over the State’s labour market challenges, as Khairul acknowledged that Sabah currently records the highest unemployment rate in Malaysia, estimated at between 8pc and 9pc.
He stressed that unemployment could not be solved through short-term measures alone, which is why the STDC is intended to ensure that workforce training programmes better reflect actual industry demand, allowing graduates and job seekers to obtain skills that are directly relevant to employers.
“The Government’s long-term goal is not only to create more employment opportunities within Sabah, but also to strengthen the State’s ability to produce highly skilled workers capable of competing beyond the State and across the wider region.
“Exposing Sabah youths to opportunities outside the State will allow them to gain broader professional experience and increase the value of Sabah’s workforce,” he said.
Khairul added that the STDC initiative is expected to complement ongoing employment programmes under Perkeso and the MYFutureJobs platform, which continue to serve as key channels for job placement and workforce matching in the State.
He also said further details on the STDC initiative are expected to be announced by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in the coming months, though it is confirmed that the centre will be based in Kota Kinabalu.
On the carnival, Khairul expressed appreciation to the Sabah Socso for its continued support, adding that the organisation is planning to hold additional career carnival series in districts across Sabah.
He also highlighted the strong participation at this year’s carnival, noting that around 80pc of the jobs offered were located within Sabah itself, reflecting efforts to expand local employment opportunities and reduce outward migration for work.
“I urge the public to seize the opportunities being offered and to continue moving forward so that the people of Sabah are protected and supported, the State continues to progress and Sabah’s economy remains sustainable.”
