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Dr Sim joins other guests in cutting the cake to mark the 50th anniversary of the PAMSC.
KUCHING (Jan 25): A new generation of architects needed to realise Sarawak’s vision of becoming a star economy in Asean can be nurtured through the transformative Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the scheme, which will be implemented this year, is a strategic investment to build Sarawak’s human capital and address the shortage of professionals required to support large-scale and sustainable infrastructure development.
“By removing the financial barrier for students to enter our four state-owned universities, we are opening our tertiary education to all Sarawakians to acquire knowledge to develop Sarawak into an advanced economy.
“We will be investing heavily in modern and world-class infrastructure, a new airport and seaport in Kuching in particular, that would be aligned with our vision of developing Sarawak into a star economy in Asean.
“The world-class infrastructure with emphasis on sustainable features cannot be built without building a corresponding pool of professionals, particularly architects like you,” he said.
Abang Johari’s speech was delivered by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian during the Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia Sarawak Chapter (PAMSC) 50th Golden Anniversary Gala Dinner at a hotel here on Saturday night.
He expressed confidence that FTES would help address the shortage of professionals needed to support Sarawak’s development agenda.
“With FTES, I am quite confident that we can address the lack of professionals in Sarawak to support our vision of turning Sarawak into a developed economy, in league with other advanced economies in the Asean region.
“FTES is an investment that Sarawak must make in its people and it is one that creates a powerful synergy with PAMSC’s mission.
“As a new generation of architects is being developed, the Chapter’s role in mentorship and continuous development becomes pivotal in the effort to integrate them into a culture of excellence that you all stand for,” he added.
Congratulating PAMSC on its golden jubilee, Abang Johari said the chapter has played a significant role in Sarawak’s development over the past five decades.
He noted that PAMSC, which is affiliated with Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM), has consistently promoted architectural excellence, sustainable development, professional education and community engagement through its programmes and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) initiatives.
Abang Johari also highlighted PAMSC’s role in supporting the state government’s digitisation efforts, including the implementation of electronic submission and approval (eSPA) and electronic land administration (eLA) systems.
“Engaging with PAMSC has enabled the state to tap into the ‘heartbeat’ of the building industry to formulate effective and realistic policies to achieve our shared vision for 2030,” he said.
On regulatory reforms, he said the State Legislative Assembly passed the Building (Amendment) Bill 2025 on Nov 25 last year to modernise the construction sector, including the establishment of the Sarawak Building Board and stronger oversight of building professionals.
“I am pleased to acknowledge the contribution of PAMSC members who have contributed their invaluable professional insights in shaping a law that is both ambitious and practicable for the built industry in Sarawak,” he said.
Also present at the event were Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) president Ar Adrianta Aziz and PAM Sarawak Chapter chairlady Ar Noraini Narodden.
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