KUCHING, July 26: Sarawak’s economy must be at at a level where a skilled workforce can play their roles in growing the economy and developing the region.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said if the economy is low-level and not advanced, then brain drain will occur as the homegrown talent will look elsewhere for job opportunities.
“If your economy is ‘cangkul’, then your workforce will also use ‘cangkul’. If your youth use Internet-of-Things (IoT) and your economy does not, then they won’t work here and they will go somewhere else.
“But if you can control your farm using an iPad and IoT, then they will gladly come back,” he explained.
He was asked about his strategies to encourage Sarawakians who have moved abroad in search of better employment to return and work in the region, during a podcast episode of “Keluar Sekejap” in conjunction with Sarawak Day recently.
He also pointed out the initiatives that have been undertaken by the Sarawak Government to address the issue, such as the Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) and the recently launched Sarawak Microelectrics Design (SMD) Academy.
“For example, when I launched SMD, a platform for design chip training, even our anak Sarawak from Sillicon Valley will be enticed to come back.
“Your economy must match with their training,” said Abang Johari.
Touching on his decision to implement free tertiary education at universities in the region, Abang Johari said the Sarawak Government recognises education as a crucial strategic sector deserving of significant investment.
“The moment you have your resource, you spend your resource to the right strategic sector–namely education.
“And technology will change. In the next 10 or 15 years, oil might not even longer be of value, hence you need an alternative.
“With this alternative (energy), there is a need for a talent pool and expertise relevant to the needs of that time,” he said.
He pointed to advancements in technology such as ART and hydrogen vehicles requiring new maintenance processes, thus there is a need to build up supporting services in those sectors.
Considering the evolution of an ever-changing ecosystem and the shift in thinking approaches, Abang Johari said the economy is set for transformation, particularly with current issues like climate change influencing new trends in various sectors, such as agriculture.
“Thus our Sarawakian youth need to learn more advanced disciplines than we do now,” added Abang Johari – TVS
