Sarawakians must create, not just adapt

KUCHING: Sarawakians must be prepared to create and shape the future rather than merely adapt to changes brought by artificial intelligence (AI) and the digital economy.

Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said Malaysia is entering an era that demands new ways of thinking as global competition becomes increasingly complex.

He said this transformation is being driven not only by AI and the digital economy, but also by changing geopolitical conditions.

“In this situation, we cannot merely be users of change. Instead, we must become creators of the future.

“Sarawak has its own strengths to emerge as a leader in a development approach that balances economic progress, environmental conservation and societal wellbeing.

“This balance will determine whether prosperity can be sustained for future generations,” he said in his Malaysia Day 2026 message.

Wan Junaidi stressed that a state’s true wealth should not be measured solely by its natural resources, but also by its people’s ability to develop knowledge, innovation and strong values.

“A successful state is one that produces people who are open-minded, have integrity and are always willing to acquire knowledge,” he added.

Against this backdrop, Wan Junaidi said he hoped to see more young Sarawakians becoming scientists, engineers, job creators, technology company founders, researchers, social entrepreneurs and community leaders.

He said this was important because Sarawak’s future would not depend solely on what the younger generation inherited.

“The future of Sarawak depends not only on what is inherited, but on what they are able to create,” he said.

Wan Junaidi said Malaysia Day should serve not merely as a commemoration of the country’s formation, but as an opportunity to assess how far the nation has progressed in building a mature and capable society able to face contemporary challenges.

“Malaysia Day should serve as a time for national reflection.

“A nation’s strength is measured not only by its economic progress or physical development, but also by the strength of its values, the maturity of its people and our wisdom in managing our diversity,” he said.