Development of young talent is key to Sarawak's innovation economy

KUCHING, 15 Sept: Sarawak cannot rely solely on technology procurement and infrastructure development in order to build an innovation-based economy, instead the development of young talent should be given priority to ensure that the state's economic growth is sustainable.

Sarawak's Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said that the shortage of skilled workforce is one of the major challenges that can affect Sarawak's efforts to develop a high-income and competitive economy globally.

According to him, although Sarawak is able to acquire new technologies and develop modern infrastructure, the capacity of human resources to develop, adapt and use technology effectively remains an important factor in determining the success of the state's economic transformation.

"An innovation-driven economy cannot be sustained without young people. Talent remains our main obstacle", he said.

He said this while addressing the Opening Conference of International Seminar on Advancing Innovation in AI, Education and Societal Transformation through Management and Engineering (SeAIM'26) here today.

SeAIM'26 was held concurrently with the 5th Sarawak Invention, Innovation & Design Exposition (SIIDEx) 2026.

Roland Sagah explained that Sarawak needs strong talent development channels to produce more scientists, engineers, artificial intelligence (AI) specialists as well as technical professionals to meet future economic needs.

He believes that young people not only need to master technology, but also have the skills to generate new ideas and translate them into solutions that deliver value for society and the economy.

"Innovation should also not be limited to the production of new creations, but rather translated into practical solutions that have the potential to be developed and commercialized", he said.

In this regard, Roland Sagah challenged the participants of SeAIM'26 and SIIDEx 2026 to ensure that the resulting innovation does not just end up as an exhibition project.

"Every innovation shouldn't end up on the exhibition table. Participants should ask, who needs this solution and can it be developed to produce measurable economic or social value for Sarawak and Malaysia?" he explained.

According to him, the future of Sarawak not only depends on how quickly the region accepts new technologies, but also depends on its ability to develop and use their own technology responsibly.

"We have to control AI, not let it control us", he said.