As Malaysia prepares to table Budget 2027 on Oct 9, Sarawakians are asking for help that reaches daily costs as well as longer-term earning power. The priorities raised in Kuching include better employment opportunities, targeted assistance, affordable housing, stronger education and skills development. Small-business support also featured, with calls for machinery, financing, training and help with digital marketing. Students from Sarawak studying in Peninsular Malaysia highlighted travel assistance, clearer fuel-subsidy information and stronger support for skills and AI literacy. Those concerns sit alongside calls for price controls and aid that reaches rural and suburban households. These are public expectations ahead of the federal budget, not announced allocations. The details to watch on Oct 9 are which measures receive funding, who qualifies and how the programmes will reach Sarawak’s smaller towns and rural communities.

Japan’s Taiyo Yuden plans to expand its multilayer ceramic chip capacitor plant at Sama Jaya Free Industrial Zone, with completion targeted for October 2028. The proposed A2 expansion was announced after a company delegation met Sarawak officials in Kuching on Thursday. The project is expected to add high-quality employment, support human-capital development and deepen the electronics manufacturing base in the state. Taiyo Yuden has operated in Sarawak since 1994, producing electronic components including multilayer ceramic chip capacitors. The latest plan is an expansion proposal, not a claim that construction has already begun or that a final production date is fixed. For Kuching, the significance is in the continuity of Sama Jaya’s industrial role: a long-established electronics manufacturer is planning another capacity increase, with the next useful milestones being project execution and the targeted 2028 completion.

Kuching Vocational College celebrated 181 SVM graduates in August, while reporting that 90.79 per cent of its diploma students had found work related to their field. [image: 1786669594232-20260814-kuching-vocational.jpg] Photo: The Borneo Post Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii told the graduation ceremony that Sarawak's expansion in energy, infrastructure, technology, automation and digital industries will require more technicians and practically trained workers. He argued that vocational education should not be treated as a second-class route. College director Michael Akien said all 181 students who completed the 2026 Sijil Vokasional Malaysia were eligible to continue to the Diploma Vokasional Malaysia level. What the employment figure does — and does not — show The 90.79 per cent figure referred to the college's diploma students securing field-related employment. It was not described as the employment rate of the 181 new SVM graduates, who had only just completed that level and could continue their studies. That distinction is useful for students comparing pathways. SVM can lead into DVM, while diploma outcomes give a separate indication of how closely training matches jobs. Before applying, students should compare the actual course, workshop exposure, industry placement, certification and entry requirements rather than relying on one overall percentage. The report highlighted demand in mechanics, electrical work, construction, automation, technology and hospitality. Students should still check current course availability directly with the college or the national TVET portal because programmes and intake conditions can change. 2026 SVM graduates: 181 Reported field-related employment: 90.79% among diploma students Sources: The Borneo Post · Malaysia TVET portal

Kuching residents want growth that fixes daily life first [image: 1785546287138-kuching_growth_20260801.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post / Edgar Ong Kuching's growth is bringing a clear message from residents: more jobs, better public transport, smarter traffic planning, cleaner neighbourhoods and stronger support for local businesses. The Borneo Post spoke to six residents for Kuching City Day. Their concerns were practical: young Sarawakians need career options at home, road capacity must match new developments, and public facilities must keep up with the city's expansion. What residents raised Location: Kuching Details: Residents pointed to jobs, public transport, road maintenance, cleanliness, CCTV coverage, local business support and environmental care. Business owner Lau Lee Leong said traffic impact should be planned before major projects are approved, especially in areas already facing congestion. Others said Kuching should stay clean, green and safe while creating more opportunities for students and entrepreneurs. Hot Score: 27/30 Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?