KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has called for closer collaboration between Sarawak’s business chambers to ensure inclusive economic growth and advance the state’s future economy.
He said the Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Bumiputera Chamber of Commerce and Dayak Chamber of Commerce should continue engaging with the state government to find solutions and move the economy forward.
“The future is very promising for us in Sarawak. What is important is we work together,” he said at the SCCI 75th Anniversary Gala Dinner at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Friday night (Nov. 13).
Abang Johari said Sarawak needed a healthy economic ecosystem where everyone could participate and benefit from development.
He drew a comparison with the concept of synergenesis, which he encountered when officiating an international conference on integrative medicine.
He explained that the conference highlighted the combination of Eastern and Western medicine, adding that Sarawak’s rich biodiversity could be explored for new opportunities in medical science.
“For us in Sarawak, we have rich biodiversity. I think we can look at that. That will be a new industry in medical science,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of developing local talent through education, saying Sarawak’s free education initiative was intended to prepare young people for the future economy.
Drawing a parallel between the health of an individual’s ecosystem and economic development, he said Sarawak should strive for an environment where everyone could contribute and grow together.
“We want Sarawak’s economy to be like that, in healthy shape. Everybody can participate and we grow together for the sake of humanity,” he said.
Abang Johari expressed hope that SCCI would continue partnering with the state government in exploring emerging economic opportunities.
“I hope SCCI will be our partner and always our partner to explore the new economy of the future,” he said.
