Future in hands of well-trained Sarawakian youth

KUCHING: Sarawak’s economy has to match with the training offered to Sarawakians, especially the youth who represent the future leadership of the state.

In stating this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state is shifting towards the new economy that is based on technology, thus this also required highly skilled human capital.

“Youths are the hope of the nation, and Sarawak’s future depends on its youth. Hence, we need a policy to empower them and this is through education, and providing the necessary skills and knowledge.

“Sarawak’s youth are bright beyond 2030, because we have created a landscape and a foundation that is very strong in a new economy. If this happens, when investors come, we also need highly skilled youth,” he said during the ‘Seventh Year with the Premier’ Townhall Session held at the Satok Ballroom, Hikmah Exchange Event Centre on Saturday (Jan 13).

Abang Johari was responding to a question by one of the moderators, political analyst Professor Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian on what Sarawak has to offer to the youth, especially those in the rural areas.

The Premier further said he had set up a state-owned company, SMD Semiconductor, and the initiative was to produce more chip designers.

“We need 500 engineers in chip designing, and currently, we only have 25 in Sarawak. So, we want to train more youth to become chip designers.

“Who knows, in the near future, we will have an airline company, and having an airline that uses chips,” he said.

Abang Johari added that as Sarawakian youth receive more training and acquire skills, coupled with job opportunities emerging from the new industry, a greater number of young individuals will opt to remain in the state and actively contribute their services.

“Then, our young people are also going to be a global player, not just within Sarawak. As such, for the youth of Sarawak to be a global player, the youth must be trained.

“That is why, I dared to create this atmosphere, and I believe the youth of Sarawak can do it,” he said.