Strong technical expertise crucial to safer, sustainable S’wak development

Aidel (centre) with Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) director Cassidy Morris (second left) and other distinguished guests at the pre-launch of National Technical Profession Day (HPTN) 2026 on Sept 23, 2026. Photo: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 23: Sarawak’s vast landscape and scattered communities will require stronger technical expertise and innovative solutions to ensure future development is delivered safely, sustainably and where it matters most to the people.

Sarawak Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo said technical decisions must take into account field experience and the actual needs of communities, particularly when planning infrastructure across the State’s diverse terrain.

“Future national development requires high-level technical expertise, appropriate technology and a commitment to sustainability,” he said when representing Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at the pre-launch of National Technical Profession Day (HPTN) 2026 in Kuching today.

He said sustainability principles should be considered at every stage of technical decision-making, from site selection and design to construction and maintenance, to safeguard user safety, public spending and the environment in the long term.

In a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Aidel said Sarawak’s unique geographical challenges required appropriate technical and innovative solutions that took into account field experience and community needs.

Aidel said better infrastructure must translate into better opportunities for rural and remote communities, particularly through improved access to employment, trade and services.

As an example, he cited the Batang Igan Bridge, which opened in March to provide communities in Igan, Matu and Daro with a direct road connection across the river, replacing their previous reliance on ferry services.

Meanwhile, Aidel stressed that project implementation must adopt a stronger problem-solving culture by assigning every issue to a responsible officer, with clear follow-up action and a reasonable timeframe for resolution.

He also encouraged the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM), geographic information systems and artificial intelligence where appropriate to improve design coordination, support analysis and facilitate project monitoring.

HPTN 2026, themed “Technical Profession Driving Sustainability”, will be held on Dec 1 and 2 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), with Sarawak hosting the main event.

The event is expected to bring together technical expertise and actual development needs, while strengthening knowledge sharing, talent development and collaboration among ministries, government agencies, professional bodies, educational institutions and industry partners. — DayakDaily