Taib (right) presents a scroll to one of the graduands during the convocation ceremony yesterday.

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Institutes of Higher Education (IPT), including the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), need to shift the paradigm for their education system to be in line with the Industrial Revolution 4.0 happening worldwide.

Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud stressed that it is important that the education offered at all IPTs stay relevant to the rapidly changing world of technology.

“I am delighted that Unimas spoke about this change and has implemented Education 4.0 in line with the Industrial Revolution 4.0. To succeed in Education 4.0, there are three things that Unimas and other universities need to do,” he added during the 21st Unimas Convocation Ceremony at the Gemilang Arena, DeTar Putra here yesterday.

Taib explained that among the three things is the education programme which needs to be constantly updated to meet industry needs in Industrial Revolution 4.0.

Secondly, Unimas and other universities also need to make full use of digital technology to enable their graduates to thrive as human capital. IPTs need to groom human capital that allows people and machines to be aligned to form new possibilities.

IPTs should provide an integrated framework for planning future learning so that graduates would be able to apply learning for life, from childhood to working life.

According to Taib, in this regard, Sarawak is rapidly developing digital infrastructure by allocating RM1 billion within three years to advance information highways and other digital infrastructure, to ensure that the State has the capability and strong foundation to compete in the digital economy.

Taib also urged graduates to update their knowledge and skill by continuously reading and studying changes in the rapidly changing education sector.

He said that Industrial Revolution 4.0 has changed the products and services offered as well as the processes.

“We need more innovative human capital who distinguishes themselves as leaders in this fast changing environment,” he said.

During the ceremony, Taib who is also the Chancellor of Unimas installed Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg as Pro Chancellor of Unimas before presenting scrolls to the graduands.