Sarawak’s next five years critical to becoming technology creator – Abang Johari

KUCHING, Oct 21: Sarawak’s next five years will mark a critical transition towards a high-value economy, with the state aiming to become a creator of technology rather than remaining dependent on innovations developed elsewhere.

Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the shift was essential to breaking free from the middle-income trap and strengthening Sarawak’s competitiveness in the global economy.

According to him, the state government had spent the past five years laying the groundwork through economic diversification, strategic investments, infrastructure development and a stronger fiscal position.

“The next five years will be a transition period. It is a transitional period towards becoming a creator of technology,” he said at the GPS Backbenchers Night themed “One for All, All for One” at a hotel here in Kuching.

Abang Johari further said Sarawak must move beyond downstream activities to focus on innovation and the development of its own technological capabilities.

“If you are always a second player, you cannot be at the forefront. In other words, your economy will remain trapped in the middle unless you move up and become a creator of the economy,” he added.

He stressed that achieving this ambition would require greater investment in human capital, particularly in equipping young Sarawakians with advanced knowledge and skills in emerging technologies.

According to him, developing high-value industries would also create better employment opportunities for skilled Sarawakians, including those who had pursued higher education overseas, encouraging them to return and contribute to the state’s economy.

On infrastructure development, Abang Johari defended major projects such as the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system and port development, describing them as necessary investments to support Sarawak’s long-term growth.

“We have to have first-class infrastructure. Sarawak must be first class and must be able to compete with the world,” he stressed.

He said Sarawak’s improved financial position and greater control over strategic assets, including its majority stake in Affin Bank, had strengthened the state’s capacity to undertake major development initiatives.

The Premier also noted that Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) had attracted growing international interest, particularly in the energy and technology sectors.

With Asia emerging as a major driver of global economic growth, he said Sarawak must position itself to capitalise on opportunities arising from key markets such as China, India, Japan and South Korea.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari urged elected representatives to adapt to the changing expectations of younger voters, particularly those aged 18 and above, who are increasingly informed and technologically savvy.

He said the emergence of a new generation of voters, alongside the growing number of Sarawakians pursuing higher education, underscored the need to nurture future leaders capable of responding to evolving economic and social demands. – TVS