KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 28 -- Growing up in Rumah Gawai Sungai Mupong, Sarawak, Alexender Simong Anak Gawai was raised by his mother in a single-parent household and supported by his longhouse community.

After leaving school in Form Three, he seemed to have few career prospects.

Next month, however, Alexender will begin a permanent role as a Harvesting Specialist with SD Guthrie in Bintulu - an opportunity made possible through the Harvesting Specialist Programme run in partnership with SD Guthrie, Institut Perladangan dan Komoditi Malaysia (IMPAC) and Sarawak Skills SAVTI.

For Miri-born Daniel Lai Chun Ming, the turning point came when he enrolled in the YSD Certificate of Heavy Equipment Programme at Sime Industrial Academy.

Today, he is...