Awang Tengah: Build local expertise through technology partnerships

KUCHING: Sarawak continues to strengthen local expertise in technology and forest management to reduce its reliance on knowledge and technology developed by external parties.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said collaboration with research institutions, universities, industry and international partners should be leveraged to develop Sarawakian capabilities in mastering related technologies.

“Such collaborations must ultimately build the expertise of Sarawakians themselves so that the state does not remain dependent on technology and knowledge developed by others forever,” he was quoted as saying in an UKAS report.

Awang Tengah was speaking at the Forest Department Sarawak Excellent Service Award (APC) and Retirees Appreciation Ceremony at a hotel here yesterday (Sept 15).

Awang Tengah, who is also the Minister of Urban Development and Natural Resources II, said developing local expertise is important in line with changes in the forestry sector, which is increasingly reliant on technology, data and modern management approaches.

He said the department must continue strengthening the capabilities of its workforce so that technological advancements could be effectively utilized in managing the state’s forest resources.

At the same event, 93 Sarawak Forest Department officers received the 2026 Excellent Service Award (APC), based on their 2025 performance assessment, in recognition of their dedication, commitment, integrity, professionalism and high performance in carrying out their responsibilities.

Meanwhile, 53 Sarawak Forest Department officers who will retire in 2026 also received appreciation for their contributions and service throughout their tenure.

Its director Datuk Hamden Mohammad said workforce continuity is also strengthened with 78 new officers having reported for duty with the department as of August 31, 2026.

Of the total, 26 are officers from the Management and Professional Group, while another 51 comprised the Implementing and Support Group.

The development reflects the continuity of human capital development within the department as the state continues to strengthen technology-, expertise- and modern approach-based forest management.