Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd recently celebrated the graduation of 16 apprentices from its Young Talent Programme (YTP), marking yet another important milestone in its development of local engineering talent for Sarawak’s public transport industry.
This is the third cohort of YTP apprentices, who successfully completed the rigorous two-year programme, which is an initiative under Sarawak Metro’s Socio-Economic Enhancement Development (SEED) Programme.
With this latest batch, the YTP has now provided opportunities to 41 young local engineers since its introduction in 2021, surpassing its initial target of 50 apprentices. Currently, another 17 apprentices are still undergoing their apprenticeship and scheduled to complete by the end of this year.
These latest 16 graduating apprentices have also now joined Sarawak Metro as full-time employees.
At the recent graduation ceremony, Sarawak Metro Chief Executive Officer, Ts. Mazli Mustaffa congratulated the graduates and expressed his pride and delight in their achievement.
“Completing a two-year apprenticeship is no small feat, and I salute you all for your perseverance, commitment and diligence.
“Today is not only a celebration of your achievements, but also a new beginning as you join Sarawak Metro’s professional workforce. And as the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project enters a critical stage, your role will be significant in ensuring its successful and timely implementation,” said Mazli.
He also acknowledged the strong mentorship provided by experienced engineers and specialists, noting that knowledge transfer and professional guidance were key pillars of the programme’s success.
SEED Programme Director, Alexius Barieng highlighted the programme’s broader impact on talent development in Sarawak and noted that the latest batch of graduates represented a diverse and highly specialised group of young professionals who have been trained within an evolving landscape of integration, sustainability, safety and digitalisation.
“They are not just supporting the project, they are helping to shape the future of urban mobility in Sarawak.
“Their journey reflects Sarawak Metro’s commitment to developing industry-ready and globally exposed talent for this new transportation ecosystem,” said Barieng.
Meanwhile, to mark the completion of their on-the-job training, Mazli presented certificates and specially-designed jackets to the graduating apprentices – Nabil bin Norman, Declan Banyang anak Insor, Muhammad Haziq bin Sapiee, Nur Aszreen binti Zulkifli, Trisha Izleen binti Mohamad Safian, Amealy Liony anak Tom, Nur Adilla binti Hushairi, Nur Nafisa binti Abdulllah, Whomaira binti Abdul Samad, Afiqah binti Mohamad Yunus, Danny Eldie anak James, Ken O’Neil anak Clarance, Nurul
Izyanie binti Isnainy, Muhammad Fataullah Aziq bin Abdullah, Precilla Ann anak Les and Akmal Aiman bin Selamat.
Guests at the ceremony also witnessed the presentation of the ‘Best Apprentice Award’ to Afiqah Mohammed Yunus and the ‘Best Mentor Award’ to Ahmad Yusri Ahmad Yusuf.
Throughout the programme, apprentices underwent extensive on-the-job training across multiple technical disciplines, including rolling stock, civil works, operations engineering, signalling, communications systems, hydrogen feeder bus systems and systems assurance.
They were also exposed to key technical milestones for the KUTS project such as first article inspections, factory acceptance tests, post installation check-outs, and pre-delivery inspections.
Selected apprentices also gained valuable first-hand industry experience when they were sent on attachments to original equipment manufacturers (OEM), where they participated in preliminary design reviews and prototype testing of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) hydrogen vehicles.