Sarawak advances technological workforce, registers 6,555 technologists as of June 2024

Abang Johari delivers his keynote speech during the Malaysia Board of Technologists' (MBOT) Experts Network in Technology, Innovation, and Cooperative Event (ENTICE) held at a hotel in Putrajaya, Selangor on July 30, 2024. Screenshot: Malaysia Board of Technologists/Facebook

By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, July 30: Sarawak has made significant strides in advancing its technological workforce, registering 6,555 technologists and technicians with the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) as of June this year.

This announcement was made by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during his keynote address at the Malaysia Board of Technologists’ (MBOT) Experts Network in Technology, Innovation, and Cooperative Event (ENTICE) held today at a hotel in Putrajaya, Selangor.

“We are committed to empowering technologists and technicians. Last year, during the MBOT Borneo Symposium, I set a goal for Sarawak to register 10,000 technologists and technicians by 2025.

“As of June 2024, we have registered 6,555. I encourage those not yet registered to do so and join us to help build a stronger nation,” he said.

The MBOT ENTICE 2024 event, themed ‘Celebrating Diversity and Inclusivity Through Technology,’ aligns with Sarawak’s strategic focus on leveraging cutting-edge technologies to boost economic growth, promote social inclusivity, and ensure environmental sustainability.

The Premier noted that initiatives such as the Sarawak Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 are critical in transforming Sarawak into a digitally-driven economy.

“Our focus on digital infrastructure, green technology, and innovative solutions positions Sarawak as a leader in the Digital Economy and Green Energy sectors.

“We aim to transform Sarawak into a high-income economy by 2030, ensuring economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability,” he stated.

He went on to say that the State has allocated RM1.89 billion under the Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural, and Nation (SALURAN) initiative to enhance internet connectivity, especially in rural areas.

The Premier also announced the approval of the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC), a key initiative to bolster AI research, development, and commercialisation in the region.

The State also aims to double its clean electricity capacity to 10GW by 2030, leveraging hydropower and solar energy.

Additionally, Sarawak is pioneering green hydrogen production and exploring sustainable aviation fuel, setting a benchmark for green innovation in ASEAN.

The event was attended by various dignitaries and officials, including Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), Chang Lih Kang, and MBOT president Prof Datuk Dr Siti Hamsiah Tapsir. — DayakDaily