KUCHING: Sarawak must build strong human resources to complement its rich natural capital if it is to compete on the world stage, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said that the state’s natural capital- its abundant energy resources and biodiversity – already gives Sarawak a competitive edge, but without comparable human capital, its full potential cannot be realised.
“The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) told us that Sarawak is very fortunate because it has natural capital that cannot be found in other parts of the world.
“This gives us competitiveness. But what Sarawak must focus on is strengthening our human capital. The moment our human capital is on par with our natural capital, the world is ours.
“This is our situation, and I hope we work together. If they say ‘the world is ours’, let us work together to make Sarawak prosperous, to be a main player in the world economy,” he said.
He said this in his speech during the 2025 Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS) Award Ceremony at Riverside Majestic hotel here on Saturday night.
Abang Johari said human talent would be critical in helping entrepreneurs and businesses navigate an increasingly complex global economy shaped by rapid technological change.
“With today’s global economic situation, innovation is the only important method. But innovation also requires analysis. What is the current state, and what will the economic landscape look like in the future?” he asked.
He added that business leaders must not only rely on Sarawak’s inherent strengths but also learn how to leverage them with technology.
“That strength must be taken into account, and we must add value to it in several ways, including the use of technology. And technology must move in line with future needs,” he said.
The Premier said that the Utility and Telecommunication Ministry (MUT) will host the 8th International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak 2025 (IDECS25) seminar later this year.
He has requested for James Barrat, the author of ‘Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era’, to be invited as a keynote speaker.
“In his book, James Barrat said that the global economy will be based on artificial intelligence (AI) technology, and AI will become the tool for all economic activities,” he said.
He cautioned that while AI carries immense potential, it also presents risks such as deepfakes and misuse, and therefore demands critical understanding.
“The future economic landscape will be very complicated, so much so that you need good rationality and good analysis to direct your business for the future,” he said, urging DUBS members to attend the seminar.
Abang Johari said positioning businesses for the future requires foresight and a clear grasp of both global technological shifts and Sarawak’s own unique strengths.
“If you know what the future will look like, you can position yourself with your strengths,” he said.
