KUCHING (Sept 20): Sri Aman Sarawak Skills will soon have a permanent campus in the division to provide students with a more conducive learning environment, said State Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis.

He said the institution will serve as a vital centre in Sri Aman to produce technically trained human capital for Sarawak.

“With a permanent campus here, students from Sri Aman as well as Betong can acquire technical skills and knowledge without having to leave home,” he said prior to the launch of Pesta Benak Sri Aman 2025 by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Sri Aman Waterfront today.

Harden, who is an advisor to the organising committee, noted that the three-day festival is not only an annual event on the Sarawak Tourism Calendar but also a platform to promote and further develop the division.

He said Pesta Benak has grown into an iconic event that continues to attract not just locals, but also visitors from across Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.

Highlighting that the festival features 609 booths offering various items and products, he invites people from all walks of life to join the event, which ends today.

This year’s Pesta Benak Sri Aman features 10 activities, including the Benak Road Trail Run, Regatta Benak Batang Lupar, Miss Tourism Benak 2025, and Bazaar Ria Benak.

“Two of the activities are new additions — ‘Pentas Perpaduan’ and the Sarawak Gendang Festival 2025,” added Harden.