SIBU: The economy that will shape Sarawak’s future will be driven not only by renewable energy, but also by knowledge, artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak must begin preparing for the next wave of global economic transformation by investing in technology, education and innovation.
“The economy of the future will not be driven by renewable energy alone. It will also be driven by knowledge,” he said during a special town hall dialogue held in conjunction with the Sarawak Day 2026 celebration at University Technology Sarawak (UTS) here today (July 22).
The town hall dialogue was moderated by Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol.
Abang Johari said AI, particularly Large Language Models (LLMs), is expected to transform industries worldwide and create new opportunities for those equipped with the right skills.
He encouraged young Sarawakians to embrace emerging technologies and position themselves not only as employees, but also as entrepreneurs capable of creating new businesses.
Using global technology leaders as examples, he cited Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Alibaba founder Jack Ma and NVIDIA chief executive officer Jensen Huang as individuals who transformed industries through innovation and bold ideas.
“Perhaps one of you sitting here today will become the next Steve Jobs or establish the next globally recognised technology company,” he said.
Abang Johari said this was one of the reasons the state government introduced its free tertiary education initiative, which aims to produce graduates equipped with the knowledge and skills needed in emerging sectors, including engineering, chemistry, cyber security, data analytics and aerospace.
Beyond developing talent, he said Sarawak also possesses significant natural advantages that place the state in a strong position to participate in the global green economy.
He pointed to the state’s renewable energy resources, including hydropower, solar energy and biomass, as well as its vast tropical forests, which function as carbon sinks by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
“If the world benefits from our forests absorbing carbon, then there must also be value attached to preserving them,” he said.
Abang Johari said protecting Sarawak’s forests while developing renewable energy and hydrogen would create new economic opportunities as countries move towards lower-carbon development.
He expressed confidence that Sarawak has what it takes to compete globally, saying the state’s future success would depend on good leadership, governance and nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurs.
“I genuinely believe Sarawak can achieve even greater success, provided we continue to have good leadership and good governance,” he added.
