KUCHING: Sarawak’s economic development must go hand in hand with relevant training and employment opportunities to encourage more local talent to return and serve the state after completing their studies.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said many Sarawakians who pursued higher education overseas had previously opted to build their careers elsewhere, as the state’s economy at the time offered limited opportunities suited to their qualifications.
“So what we want to do is ensure that training goes hand in hand with our economy. Alhamdulillah, today many have returned. Some are working at Petchem,” he said.
He was responding to a student’s question on his greatest hope for Sarawak students benefiting from free tertiary education during the ‘Meet & Greet: Aspirasi Anak Sarawak – A Conversation About the Future’ held in conjunction with the Sarawak Form Six Student Leadership and Empowerment Convention 2026 at a hotel here today.
According to him, the state’s growing economy is creating employment opportunities across various sectors, allowing local talent to make use of their qualifications and training.
He also touched on the development of state-owned assets and institutions, including the takeover of Bintulu Port and Sarawak’s majority stake in Affin Bank.
“In the mass media sector, we have our own television station. We now have our own aircraft,” he said.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s economy is expected to continue evolving towards modern economic activities, including in the agriculture sector.
He expressed hope that sustained economic development would create more employment opportunities for the younger generation and ensure that the training they received could be put to good use in developing the state.
He said these efforts must continue beyond 2030 to propel Sarawak towards becoming the most developed state in Asia.
