Equip youth for green industries

KUCHING: Young Sarawakians must be equipped with practical environmental skills to take up opportunities in green industries and help shape the state’s future development.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said schools, universities, training institutions and industries shared the responsibility of developing the expertise needed for emerging sectors and responsible environmental management.

“Policies, infrastructure and technology alone cannot deliver sustainability. We must also invest in our people,” he said in a speech delivered by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan at the opening of the Environmental Education Conference 2026 at a hotel here today (Oct 27).

Abang Johari called for young people to be exposed to renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, the circular economy, waste-to-energy and waste-to-wealth through research, field visits, mentorship and practical projects.

Such opportunities would help prepare them for responsibilities as future leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, engineers and policymakers.

“We must therefore prepare them not only to understand environmental challenges but also to develop practical solutions,” he said.

Meanwhile, Awang Tengah welcomed the proposed environmental education module, encouraging international delegates, educational institutions, industry partners and relevant agencies to help develop resources combining international perspectives with local knowledge.

The experience of Indigenous peoples and local communities could further help students understand the links between conservation, livelihoods and development.

In his speech, Abang Johari also stressed that environmental education must reach rural and remote communities, while educators needed training and practical resources to guide students.

Digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, could widen access to educational materials and facilitate knowledge sharing.

“However, technology should support learning, not replace hands-on experiences and opportunities to explore and understand nature,” he said.