‘You are our hero’: Premier wins hearts of youths at Lan Berambeh with bold vision for future

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By Karen Bong and Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Oct 25: “You are our hero,” declared a third-year Universiti Malaya (UM) law student from Sarikei, capturing the admiration and pride of Sarawakian youths as they paid heartfelt tribute to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2025 Townhall Session at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur today.

“I don’t think I am alone in this. Your leadership is not only transformative but deeply inspirational for many of us. You are our hero and thank you for your exemplary leadership in leading Sarawak; sincerely, from Sarawak youths to the head of Sarawak,” the student said.

In response, Abang Johari humbly said that he is not alone in transforming Sarawak, but that it is the collective spirit of Sarawakians that drives the State’s remarkable progress.

“I am grateful and thankful to all Sarawakians who have rendered their support in the government’s efforts to transform and propel Sarawak to greater heights and a brighter future,” he said.

Earlier in his mandate address, the Premier outlined Sarawak’s strategic direction built on strong economic policies, resource optimisation, and heavy investment in human capital. He noted that the Sarawak government has worked closely with local universities and global institutions such as the London School of Economics (LSE) to advance knowledge and innovation.

Quoting an LSE professor, Abang Johari said Sarawak is “truly fortunate” to be blessed with rich natural assets.

“What we need now is to strengthen our human capital. When you have productive, skilled people working with rich natural resources, the world becomes yours,” he stressed.

Highlighting Sarawak’s hydrogen economy, Abang Johari pointed out that the State’s abundant rivers are a divine blessing, wholly under Sarawak’s jurisdiction, unlike shared waterways in other regions.

“When managed wisely, water can be transformed into hydrogen which is the cleanest energy of today,” he said.

He also emphasised Sarawak’s environmental commitment, noting that 62 per cent of the State remains covered by forests that act as vital carbon sinks, while its mangrove swamps help store carbon and safeguard coastal ecosystems.

He reaffirmed his ambitious yet realistic vision of positioning Sarawak as a regional leader in renewable energy, sustainability, and advanced technology, evidenced by the federal government’s request for Sarawak to help power the ASEAN grid.

Abang Johari also unveiled Sarawak’s technological leap into the semiconductor sector, citing the establishment of SMD Semiconductor and collaboration with X-FAB to produce analogue chips for the automotive and medical industries.

He proudly revealed that Sarawakian scientists in Cardiff, United Kingdom, have developed the world’s first AI-powered chip converter, a breakthrough innovation using gallium nitride (GaN) wafers instead of traditional silicon, capable of withstanding high temperatures while storing massive data efficiently.

“This chip, branded as Keteq.AI, will represent Sarawak’s name globally in high-tech fields including space technology, power grid monitoring, and healthcare,” he said.

Calling on students to seize opportunities in science and technology, Abang Johari urged them to use their creativity to add value to Sarawak’s natural resources, underscoring that the Sarawak’s future depends on the youth’s ideas and determination.

He also reminded participants that Sarawak’s unity in diversity is its greatest strength.

“We may be small in population, just 2.8 million, but we are like chili padi: small but powerful,” he said.

Abang Johari concluded by expressing hope that Sarawakian youths will continue striving for excellence in all fields.

“Sarawak is now being recognised globally. When we share our ideas abroad, people are astonished by our boldness and vision. Let the Anak Sarawak be the best in whatever field they pursue, for the future of Sarawak, and for the world,” he said. — DayakDaily

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