TYT: Sarawak must create — not just consume — future driven by AI, digital economy

Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 15: As global competition grows more complex, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), the digital economy, and geopolitical shifts, Sarawakians cannot merely be consumers of change; they must become creators of the future.

In his Malaysia Day 2026 message, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said Sarawak has its own advantages to become a leader in a development approach based on a balance between economic progress, environmental conservation, and the well-being of society, which will determine the sustainability of prosperity for future generations.

“I believe that the true wealth of a State lies not only in its natural resources, but in the ability of its people to build knowledge, innovation and good character.

“A successful State produces citizens who are open-minded, possess integrity, and are always ready to acquire knowledge,” he said.

At the same time, he called for fact literacy and wise evaluation of information, stressing that freedom of speech must be paired with responsibility so the digital space becomes a platform that unites rather than divides society.

“We also need to promote a culture of mature dialogue. Differences of opinion are natural in a democratic country. However, differences should not lead to hostility. Instead, they should provide an avenue for better solutions.”

He also called for more Sarawakian youths to emerge as scientists, engineers, job creators, technology company founders, researchers, social entrepreneurs, and community leaders as Sarawak’s future depends not only on what has been inherited, but also on what they succeed in creating.

Meanwhile, he reminded everyone that true progress is achieved when no one is left behind in the development process.

He said under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, one of the clearest examples of this inclusive approach is the Sarawak government’s strong focus on rural development, as it recognises that the economic gap between urban and rural areas must be narrowed.

Citing the establishment of regional development agencies such as the Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA), Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA), Sri Aman Development Agency (SADA), and Highland Development Agency (HDA), he said financial allocations have been channelled specifically to build basic infrastructure such as roads, clean water supply and electricity in rural areas.

This ensures, he said, that indigenous communities as well as residents of villages and longhouses also experience the benefits of modernisation.

In terms of religious affairs, he said that the Sarawak government has demonstrated that diversity in race, religion, and culture is not an obstacle to progress—reflected in the establishment of the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) which assists in the construction, repair, and maintenance of houses of worship and mission schools.

“This approach demonstrates that the government respects the right of every citizen to practise their respective beliefs in a conducive environment,” he said.

He also called on all Malaysians, especially the people of Sarawak, to preserve the spirit of mutual trust, respect, and support to ensure that the country remains strong in facing whatever challenges the future may bring.

“Let us make Malaysia Day not merely an annual celebration, but a point of renewal in our determination to build a fairer, more progressive and more humane nation.” — DayakDaily