Abang Johari (fourth left) and others wave the state and programme flags during the event.
MIRI (April 25): Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is determined to transform Sarawak into a progressive state and position it as a model of economic growth in the Asian region, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The GPS president said Sarawak could learn from countries such as Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark, which have relatively small populations and land areas comparable to Sarawak, yet have succeeded in becoming advanced economies through technological innovation across sectors, including agriculture.
Abang Johari noted that Norway provides free education to its people, and said Sarawak is moving in the same direction through the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), aimed at producing a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce.
“If they can do it, I believe Sarawak can achieve the same, provided we have skilled and knowledgeable human capital,” he said when launching the Sarawakku Sayang Miri edition programme at Miri Outdoor Stadium.
With a population of around three million and a vast land area, he said Sarawak must accelerate its economic transformation through technology adoption, especially as more jobs will increasingly be assisted or replaced by automation and robotics.
“I call on students to seize this opportunity. Improve your knowledge and skills to help build Sarawak’s future,” he said.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s development agenda is anchored on six key economic pillars, including tourism and the mining sector such as oil and gas.
He added that the state is actively exploring its gas resource potential, including in the Adong area in Miri.
“The state government intends to ensure Sarawak’s active involvement in the gas industry, including gas distribution managed by Sarawak itself.
“Although there are challenges, we remain confident because our intention is to advance the state and national economy.
“This struggle is not easy. We need to examine the legal aspects and defend our rights. GPS will continue to fight for the state’s rights in all aspects of development,” he said.
Citing a study by Harvard University, Abang Johari said economic inequality could widen by 2035 due to disparities in technological literacy, where those who fail to adapt to technological change would be left behind.
He said Sarawakians must therefore be prepared to embrace a global economy driven by technology and artificial intelligence (AI), in line with the state’s vision of achieving progress through technology, education and unity by 2033.
“I have also asked universities to establish a Faculty of Aerospace. This means we are beginning to venture into the field of outer space as one of our future targets.
“We will also explore nano-satellite technology for earth imaging purposes.
“With the combination of technology, education and unity among the people, I am confident Sarawak can achieve sustainable progress and become a leader in regional development,” he said.
He stressed that unity was essential for Sarawak’s continued progress.
“Do not be divided. Use technology for shared progress. If we succeed in producing a generation that is knowledgeable and highly skilled, God willing, all these plans can be realised,” he added.
Also present at the programme were deputy premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin as well as other state leaders.
