Sarawak aims to register at least 10,000 technicians and technologists by 2025, says premier
11 May 2023
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg wants the state to register at least 10,000 technicians and technologists by 2025, saying high-skilled talents are the backbone to all economies.
He said they are the professionals who drive the institutions, keep the factories running smoothly, help farmers to produce more yield, ensure efficiency of machinery, and drive innovation forward.
“In all industries, we need professionals as well as engineers and researchers before we can produce any technology or services,” he said at the opening of the Malaysian Board of Technologists Borneo symposium here.
He said technologists and technicians are often overlooked, resulting in a shortage in many crucial industries, which hampers the ability to be more competitive and productive.
“That is why I am fully supportive of any initiatives that enhance the capacity of technologists and technicians in Sarawak like we hold today,” the premier said.
He urged industry players, education and skilled development institutions, as well as government agencies to work together in promoting and developing technological talents.
He said the state government, on its part, has taken a number of initiatives which are expected to make a significant impact to Sarawak, including the establishment of the Sarawak Multimedia Authorities, and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation which is in charge of the state multimedia and communication affairs and activities.
Abang Johari said the state government has also spearheaded various initiatives on digital economy ambitions through public-private partnerships such as the Centre of Technical Excellence Digital Academy in collaboration with Huawei, and the setting up of Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Bumiputera Sarawak digital village and digital economy labs across all the districts.
He added the state government also digitalised its services, adding that all affairs with the state government, such as municipalities and scholarships for Sarawakians, can be done through the Sarawak Gov app.
“Moreover, it is all integrated in one account under the Sarawak ID, which acts as Sarawakians’ online identity,” he said.
The premier said by having all this state digitalisation in place, the state government hopes to increase household income from the current RM5,000 to RM16,000 by 2030. He added the state government aims to double the state’s gross domestic products (GDP) from RM136 billion in 2019 to RM282 billion in 2030, and at the same time create an additional 195,000 job opportunities.
“The task now is to ensure the state’s annual growth rate of at least 8 per cent over the next seven years, which will be a quantum leap from the current growth rate of around 3 per cent to 4 per cent,” he said, adding that the state government has only one option that is, it needs to transform the state into an innovative and tech-driven economy.
“I am optimistic that we are on the right track. Our GDP per capita has increased from RM55,931 in 2020 to RM65,971 in 2021 is one important indicator.
“This number has surpassed the national GDP per capita which is currently at RM47,439,” he said, adding that through the various science and technology-related projects and initiatives introduced under his administration, it will give significant impact to the state which will eventually improve the livelihood of the people.
Source: Malay Mail
