Abg Jo: S’wak needs brainpower to complement abundant natural resources, propel state further

KUCHING (July 27): Sarawak needs strong brainpower to complement its abundant natural resources and propel the region towards greatness, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

According to him, Sarawak has extensive resources including hydro, solar and other energy resources but needed an extra boost in the form of brainpower.

“To fill this gap, we need to harness the talents of Anak Sarawak through proper education policy. That is why we still maintain the importance of the national language Bahasa Malaysia but we must not discard English,” he said in his speech when officiating the Sarawak Education Expo 2024 at i-Cats University College here today.

Abang Johari noted that some quarters still perceived English as a ‘colonial language’ when it is actually a universal language.

“If you perceive English as a colonial language, it becomes a challenge. However, it is now a universal language and can provide you with the understanding you need.

“Terms like ‘information technology’, ‘cyber security’, and ‘cyber space’ are all in English. To learn about these fields and concepts such as breaking down hydrogen and oxygen molecules, English is essential.

“In other words, English is the international lingua franca, which is why in Sarawak we continue to use both Bahasa Malaysia as the national language and English,” he said, while also encouraging students to learn French or Mandarin as elective languages if they wish to do so.

Abang Johari stressed that knowing a third language is beneficial in today’s globalised world.

“For instance, selling palm oil to China is much easier if you know Mandarin too.

“In other words, what I am saying here is we need to be pragmatic, and therefore, in our efforts to produce well-rounded graduates, we must consider all the prerequisites of our learning process,” he added.

In this regard, Abang Johari commended the organisation of the education expo, noting that it allows students to identify the disciplines they want to study and ensuring they are relevant to today’s development needs.

“Sarawak must have a clear direction in terms of our educational policy. As long as I am the leader, I will emphasise education and allocate more resources towards it.

“But you must respond. The community must respond. Parents must respond. Students must respond. Spend time learning while you are young because the capacity to absorb knowledge is stronger.

“Learn new things and help bring Sarawak up. Once Sarawak is up, our economy will be strong, and people will acknowledge and respect us. Respect must be earned.”

Abang Johari also encouraged students to study beneficial fields and uphold integrity.

“The right person combines knowledge with integrity. Therefore, children, use this time wisely. You are very fortunate to have opportunities and Sarawak has resources. The missing gap is brainpower and we need brainpower.

“It is up to you, the young generation, to bridge this gap. Sarawak will support efforts to develop brainpower, Sarawak brand, and I wish all of you success in your respective careers,” he added.

During the launching ceremony, which was simultaneously held at 43 other locations across Sarawak, Abang Johari also witnessed the exchanging of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Malaysian Insitute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA) with Yayasan Sarawak and various Sarawak higher learning institutions.

He also presented the Anugerah Sekolah Terbaik Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2023 to Sekolah Menengah Sains Kuching Utara (Sakura) and recognised 25 outstanding SPM students with the Hadiah Pelajar Cemerlang SPM 2023.

Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Secretary and Yayasan Sarawak’s board of trustees deputy chairman Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Financial Secretary Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Yayasan Sarawak director Mersal Abang Rosli, Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak permanent secretary Adana Jed and state Education Department deputy director (Learning Sector) Siti Zulaiha Ibrahim.