KUCHING – Sarawak stands to achieve its vision of becoming a developed state by 2030 once its people can command high technological knowledge and innovative qualities while learning to exploit the state’s natural resources efficiently.
Chief Minister Datuk Abang Johari Openg said that the two exemplary nations Sarawak can emulate to achieve this vision are Estonia and South Korea, which are both forerunners in terms of technological applications and quality of innovation.
“Sarawak has an advantage (in achieving this vision). We have the (natural) resources (that are not present in Estonia or South Korea),” he said when officiating the Sarawak Civil Service Innovation Convention Awards 2020 here today.
Abang Johari said that, in line with the state’s vision, the approach to the delivery of government services needs to be further integrated and focus on citizen-centric outcomes.
“This citizen-centric approach is innovative and simplifies service delivery by focusing on what the government is trying to achieve, in terms of citizen outcomes, integrating information across multiple silo systems, and working collaboratively with other agencies,” he said.
The chief minister said the Covid-19 pandemic has created “a new type of citizen in a new type of world”, where increasing speed and the demand for change and responsiveness are defining people’s characteristics, regardless of where they live.
“Citizens know more. They are better educated with ready access to technologies that will force governments to not only be more transparent, but also rethink the notions of transparency,” he added.
He said that over the past 10 years, the Innovative and Creative Circle (ICC) teams in Sarawak have come up with 649 initiatives, 16 of which have won international awards.
“I am proud that these innovative solutions from ICC teams were contributed by our (government service) support groups at the grassroots level. I hope this culture persists and I want all heads of department to continue encouraging their ICC teams,” he added. – Bernama, December 16, 2020
