KUCHING: Leaders in government and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) must think at least two steps ahead to ensure Sarawak remains competitive amid rapid global changes, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the ability to think long-term and make decisions based on accurate information forms the foundation of effective governance and the success of the state’s development strategies.
“As a government, we must think two steps ahead because we are responsible for driving change and helping the public sector, particularly state-owned enterprises, to become more efficient and competitive,” he said during a dialogue session moderated by Institute of Corporate Directors Malaysia (ICDM) chairman Tan Sri Zarinah Anwar at the Sarawak Corporate Leadership Summit 2025 here today (Oct 8).
Abang Johari noted that effective leadership is not only measured by the ability to manage current operations but also by how well leaders anticipate future challenges and align state development strategies with technological advancements and market demands.
He added the state government must be led by dynamic, agile and knowledgeable leaders to continue Sarawak’s transformation agenda under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“Leaders must be dynamic, agile, and well-informed. In fact, having the courage to take calculated risks is crucial in making strategic decisions,” he said.
“As an example, the implementation of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) public transport system initially faced doubts, but it has since proven the effectiveness of bold decision-making backed by careful planning and modern technology,” he added.
