SARAWAK is looking to accelerate its expansion into high-technology industries, particularly the digital and space economies, with young people urged to acquire specialised skills and knowledge to capitalise on emerging opportunities.
Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg said the state’s economic diversification drive would require a larger pool of skilled local talent, including among the younger Malay community, to support its ambitions in these rapidly developing sectors.
“Anak Sarawak must continue striving to acquire the latest knowledge because the Sarawak government intends to enrich our economy, not only through the digital economy but also the space economy.
“I hope Sarawakians, including the Malays, will continue working towards becoming experts in the world’s emerging economic fields and elevate Sarawak into a state capable of competing,” he said.
He was speaking at the opening of Wisma Melayu Sarawak, officiated by Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar last night.
Abang Johari said embracing technology and harnessing the expertise of younger generations were crucial to raising productivity and strengthening the economic competitiveness of local communities.
He said the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) would broaden access to higher education, enabling Sarawakians from all backgrounds to pursue their studies and realise their potential.
On cultural preservation, he expressed hope that Wisma Melayu Sarawak would become a centre for knowledge development, research and the documentation of Malay heritage, including through artificial intelligence (AI).
He said efforts to digitise old manuscripts, preserve oral history recordings and establish digital archives should be intensified through collaboration among higher education institutions, researchers and arts practitioners to safeguard Sarawak’s cultural heritage. - November 12, 2026
