KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- A total of 650 job opportunities from 12 employers will be offered at the career carnival held in conjunction with the 2026 National Technical Professionals Day (HPTN) celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Sarawak, on Dec 1 and 2.
Public Works Department (JKR) deputy director-general (Expert Sector) Datuk Azman Md Hashim said the initiative was organised in collaboration with the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA), the Sarawak Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) and JKR to expand access to career opportunities, particularly in technical fields.
He said this year's celebration marked a milestone as Borneo would host the main event for the first time, following Penang in 2024 and Johor last year.
“HPTN 2024 in Penang attracted 10,000 visitors, while attendance rose to 15,000 in Johor in 2025. This year, the organisers are targeting an even higher turnout,” Azman said when appearing as a guest on Bernama Radio's Fokus 30 programme yesterday.
Themed “Technical Professions Driving Sustainability”, HPTN 2026 will highlight the role of skills, technology and sustainability in supporting quality, resilient national development.
Azman said infrastructure development must meet current needs while taking environmental considerations and long-term benefits to the people into account.
The two-day event will feature 211 exhibition booths involving various agencies and local companies, showcasing technologies, innovations and products related to the technical industry.
It will also host 11 technical talks, including “Beyond the Atmosphere: Inspiring the Next Generation” by national astronaut Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and “Placing Sarawak as a Regional Digital Leader with AI” by Sarawak AI Centre chief executive officer Prof Dr Patrick Then.
He said the event would also strengthen collaboration between government agencies, higher education institutions and industry players through knowledge-sharing and the exploration of new opportunities.
To attract younger visitors, the programme will include interactive activities focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and e-sports.
Activities include science exploration sessions, the STEAM Challenge, The Crucible Challenge, interactive STEM exhibitions, science demonstrations, trivia quizzes and robotics competitions.
Azman said engaging young people was crucial as they would form the country's future pool of technical professionals and experts.
“We want them to see that technical professions involve more than calculations, drawings and construction. They also require creativity, problem-solving, digital technology and solutions to environmental challenges,” he said.
He added that HPTN also recognised the contributions of technical professionals to the country's modernisation, including the development of roads, bridges, buildings and public facilities.
The celebration is expected to raise public awareness and inspire the next generation to pursue careers in engineering, architecture, science and technology.
Visitors can also explore booths selling products from small and medium enterprises (SMEs), sample local food and participate in lucky draws.
Admission is free. More information is available at hptn.jkr.gov.my.
-- BERNAMA