‘The children of Sarawak must master the latest technology in order to tackle future challenges and manage the economy sustainably.’
SIBU: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the development of human capital proficient in science, technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) is key to ensuring Sarawak remains competitive and capable of facing the challenges of climate change and the global economy.
He said Sarawak has strengths in terms of natural resources, including forests, water sources, renewable energy and underground resource wealth, but the state’s success depends on its ability to produce a generation with knowledge and skills in new technology.
“We have strength, but the gap that needs to be filled is knowledge. The children of Sarawak must master the latest technology in order to tackle future challenges and manage the economy sustainably,” he said while officiating the 61st Sarawak Secondary School Principals’ Education Management Conference 2026 here today.
He said that the increasingly noticeable climate change worldwide demands the country to produce more skilled workforce in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
In this regard, he said the Sarawak government continues to strengthen educational initiatives through the Dual Language Programme (DLP), the Sarawak Learning Initiative Programme (SLIP), and the establishment of the Sarawak Science Centre worth over RM200 million, equipped with modern facilities including dormitories to enable rural students to participate in science programmes.
Abang Johari said that early exposure to technology proves that rural students are also capable of mastering high-tech fields, including the use of drones.
“We want to produce more scientists, engineers, innovators and technology entrepreneurs. The background of race or religion is not a barrier; what matters is the mastery of knowledge,” he said.
He said the state government is also strengthening access to education via infrastructure development, including roads, water supply and electricity to rural areas, as well as taking over logging roads to facilitate connections to rural schools.
He also said that the road network connecting rural areas such as Miri, Marudi, Long Terawan, and Long Lama will make it easier for students and teachers to enjoy educational facilities better.
At the same time, he added that the Sarawak government continues to implement the free higher education policy at state-owned institutions with an allocation of RM260 million this year, involving around 10,000 students for the first and second intakes.
