High-tech boom drives demand for engineers

MUKAH: Growing demand from high technology industries in Sarawak is creating a need for more highly skilled engineers, with companies in Bintulu and Kuching seeking hundreds of engineering graduates.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said OCI in Bintulu had asked whether Sarawak could produce 500 engineers for its operations, while Western Digital in Kuching required close to 1,000 engineers.

“Can Sarawak produce 500 engineers to work with them in Bintulu?

“Before that, Western Digital in Kuching wanted close to 1,000 engineers,” he said when officiating the Sarawakku Sayang programme at Dataran Pehin Setia Raja here today (Oct 3).

He said the demand illustrated the growing need for graduates with skills relevant to the new economy, particularly in science, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.

“Look for fields that have a connection with science, that have a connection with the latest knowledge, including cybersecurity, including AI to manage our economy.

“These jobs are very, very much needed,” he said.

Abang Johari said Sarawak needed to equip its young people with knowledge that matched the needs of industries adopting new technologies.

He said technological knowledge is also important beyond high technology industries.

“If they are farmers, they should become farmers who use technology. If they are entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs who use digital,” he said.

He said administrators and managers also need to adopt new approaches to managing their work.

“Only then can we increase household income,” he said.

Abang Johari said the emphasis on education and skills is part of Sarawak’s effort to raise household income and reduce poverty.

He said graduates equipped with knowledge relevant to the new economy could secure better paying jobs, contributing to higher household incomes.

He also stressed that industries in Sarawak would increasingly require workers capable of working with new technologies.

He explained that this makes it important for young Sarawakians to choose fields of study that would prepare them for the jobs being created by the state’s changing economy.