State aims to be leader in emerging technologies

KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak wants to aim higher and position itself as a leader in emerging technologies.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said while some might view his vision as ambitious, the state must set its sights high to remain competitive.

“People might think that I ‘kelakar atas langit’ (talking about something far-fetched). When I previously talked about digital (economy), people also questioned what was the point.

“But we must aim high. We cannot stay like this (stagnant) forever. If many others can lead, why can’t Sarawak? Let Sarawak be the leader.

“That is why, as your Premier, as your leader, I want Sarawak to be ahead of others, especially in hydrogen technology and the new technologies,” he said.

He was speaking during the 15th edition of Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak (LBAS) 2024 Townhall session held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here today (Oct 19).

Abang Johari, who is also the Finance and New Economy Minister, added it was important to have the technological know-how so that other sectors could be developed.

Later, when answering a query from a student about Sarawak’s government initiatives to open opportunities for Sarawakians to be involved in the  administration to lead in the future, Abang Johari viewed that the state’s future growth could be led by the private sector rather than government administration.

“In my view, the future of Sarawak is not confined to government administration. The major machine or engine of growth will be the private sector.

“This means we need to have a creative and innovative workforce based on the strength of our economy,” he said.

Abang Johari said the time would come when government administration would continue to play a role, primarily just to facilitate, while the private sector acted as the engine of growth.

Citing Singapore as an example, he explained how the country’s success was largely due to its thriving private sector, which continuously absorbed experienced government officers to fuel its growth.

“Singapore today is not run by the government alone. It became successful because of the brains in its private sector. Therefore, that will likely be the situation (in Sarawak) in the future.

“We have resources, and what we need is the brain power. That is why, in my opinion, and I may be wrong, but I might be right,  20 years from now, Sarawak will be driven by the private sector. That is the economy. That is the engine of growth,” he said.

He added it was important to equip Sarawakians with expertise in various fields, such as technology, administration and law to prepare for the state’s future demands.

“In response to the question, I believe the focus should not just be confined to administration. It must be based on Sarawak’s overall macroeconomic policies. We need skilled workers in both the public administration and the private sector,” he said.

On the absorption of Sarawakians into the public sector, he said there were programmes like internships where graduates were placed in government agencies for training. Some of them were later absorbed into these agencies.