Sarawak taking proactive steps to prepare next gen for AI, robotics, tech-driven future, says deputy minister

SIBU (Jan 17): Sarawak is taking proactive steps to introduce young people to robotics, drones, and artificial intelligence (AI), preparing them for a future job market shaped by these technologies, said Datuk Michael Tiang.

The State Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government said this underscores why the Sarawak government places strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

Initiatives include free STEM-focused tertiary education, the Dual Language Programme (DLP), and the establishment of institutions such as the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) and Yayasan Sarawak International Schools.

“These efforts are to groom our next generation so they are adaptable, competitive and ready for the future,” he said, adding that young people trained in STEM are quicker to understand and respond to emerging technologies.

Tiang was speaking at the closing of the Drone, Robotics and 3D Innovation Boot Camp 2026 at the Sarawak State Library (Pustaka) Sibu.

The event, organised by the Sarawak Digital Media E-Platform Association in collaboration with Pustaka Sibu, brought together about 60 participants.

The Pelawan assemblyman added that technological change, particularly in AI and robotics, has become critical in the 21st century, with breakthroughs happening almost daily as shared in social media.

“We see AI breakthrough after breakthrough, better models one after another. Big players like the United States and China are moving extremely fast towards AI breakthrough,” he said, noting that robots have also progressed to closely resemble humans, as demonstrated on YouTube.

Tiang also highlighted the impact of AI and robotics on employment, saying these technologies are approaching the point of replacing human labour in many industries.

“The technology of AI and robotics have advanced to a stage, where they will soon replace manual or human labour in the market.

“The reality is that the world has transformed at such an unprecedented rate that, for the first time in human history, we are witnessing this level of rapid change.

“Before you even become aware of it, robots and AI have already arrived to do your traditional and conventional jobs,” he said.

He stressed that learning and adaptability remain the key advantages humans hold.

“If we can learn fast and adapt fast to the new era, humans still have an edge over AI and technological breakthroughs,” Tiang said.

He also noted that technology has no borders, with internet access allowing learning to take place anywhere, supported by facilities such as the state library and committed educators and organisers.

Tiang pledged continued support for similar educational programmes and suggested they be organised more frequently, including during school holidays.

Addressing the participants, he encouraged them to explore beyond mobile phones.

“Lift your head and look around. There are many more interesting things to explore,” he said, urging them to socialise, collaborate and learn together.

Among those present were Sarawak Digital Media E-Platform Association secretary Wesley Lee, Pustaka Sibu regional manager’s representative Shahrieza Rabaie and U best chief technology officer Elton Wong.