Sagah: Sarawak targets aerospace talent through human capital focus

KUCHING (Jan 29): Sarawak is positioning human capital rather than physical infrastructure alone as the decisive factor in its ambition to become a regional leader in the aerospace sector, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said.

In pointing this out, the State Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development said the global aerospace industry is facing pressing mounting challenges, sustainability imperatives, supply chain resilience, geopolitical uncertainties, and an acute shortage of skilled talent.

“We are witnessing unprecedented technological transformation including digitalisation, automation, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, and the growing convergence between aerospace, energy, and data technologies,” he said during the Asia Pacific Aerospace Conference and Exhibition (Apace) 2026 closing ceremony here.

Sagah said Sarawak intends to turn the global talent shortage into a strategic advantage by investing early and systematically in education, skills training and lifelong learning, in line with industry demand.

He pointed to the state’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) as a cornerstone of this strategy, providing fully funded undergraduate education in 64 approved programmes at state-owned universities.

“Through the scheme, we remove financial barriers to excellence and channel our greatest asset — our youth — directly into the industries that will define our future,” he said.

On Apace 2026, Sagah said the programme marked not merely a milestone but a collective journey, reflecting the rising role of the Asia Pacific region in shaping the future of the global aerospace sector, particularly in advancing capacity building and talent development.

He said the initiative aligns with the Sarawak Talent Development Policy and Blueprint, adding that platforms such as Apace are critical in operationalising the policy and supporting Sarawak’s goal of building a future-ready and competitive workforce.

Sagah added that the aerospace sector will play a strategic role in Sarawak’s transition towards a high-income, innovation-led economy under the Post-Covid Development Strategy 2030, contributing high-value jobs, technology spillovers and improved regional connectivity.

“The narrative of Sarawak has changed. We are a region of green energy, digital ambition and strategic action.

“We possess the stability, the resources and now the precise human capital strategy to be your ideal partner,” he said.

Calling on industry players and investors, Sagah urged them to look beyond presentations and engage directly with Sarawak.

“See the momentum. Engage with our agencies.

“Explore our special economic zones. Bring us your challenges and let us co-create the solutions,” Sagah added.