SIBU: Sarawak Australian Graduates Association (SAGA) alumni and partners have been urged to continue serving as a bridge between Sarawak and Australia, as well as between different sectors within the State.
They were also encouraged to leverage their expertise and experience to contribute to Sarawak’s development.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said that since its founding in 2005, SAGA had grown to become more than just an alumni association.
“It has been a bridge connecting Sarawak to Australia, connecting graduates to opportunities and connecting communities to knowledge, experience and service,” he said in his speech at the opening of the SAGA First Corporate Meeting 2026 cum 21st Anniversary of SAGA Central Region at RH Hotel here on Monday (Sept 7) night.
His speech text was read by Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang.
Dr Sim said through its initiatives, SAGA had nurtured leaders in education, industry, governance and civil society, while fostering friendships across cultures and strengthening Sarawak’s human capital.
“Today, we celebrate not only its longevity but its impact.
“I see a strong alignment between SAGA’s mission and Sarawak’s development agenda,” he said.
He said the experience gained overseas would be most meaningful when brought home and used to benefit the people.
“I can personally relate to this. I spent 17 years in Australia — first as a student and later as a cardiologist. Australia gave me valuable education, professional experience and exposure to a different healthcare system and way of life.
“But eventually, I made the decision to come back to Sarawak. I came back because I believe that the knowledge and experience we gain overseas should not only benefit ourselves. We should bring them home and use them to contribute to our Sarawak nation-building.”
Dr Sim said this was something he hoped the younger generation of Sarawakians would also appreciate.
“Going overseas is not about leaving Sarawak behind. Sometimes, we go out into the world so that we can learn, broaden our horizons and eventually come home with something valuable to contribute,” he said.
He said in public health, the expertise of SAGA alumni could contribute to innovation, better healthcare and improved service delivery.
“Sibu itself has the potential to grow as a healthcare and medical tourism centre, providing better healthcare services not only for our people but also for visitors from beyond Sarawak,” he said.
On housing and local government, Dr Sim said the state aimed to build sustainable, inclusive and resilient communities, adding that alumni networks could provide fresh perspectives in planning, governance and community development.
He said Sarawak was also preparing for a future driven by knowledge, technology, innovation and sustainability through economic diversification.
“This is where SAGA and its members can play an important role. Sometimes, all it takes is a spark to start a fire,” he said.
Dr Sim also acknowledged the contribution of SAGA’s founding leaders, including the late Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew, who was the first chairman of SAGA Central Region.
“His contribution helped lay the foundation for what SAGA has become today,” he said.
He expressed hope that under the leadership of Temenggong Datuk Vincent Lau, SAGA Central Region would continue to grow from strength to strength and inspire more Australian graduates to become proud members of SAGA, not only in Sibu but across Sarawak and around the world.
