KUCHING: Education is the cornerstone of human dignity and societal progress, and Sarawak will continue to invest in shaping responsible, knowledgeable individuals to meet future challenges, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Speaking at the Malam Berambeh Segulai Sejalai event on Thursday (May 15) held in conjunction with the 54th National Teacher’s Day celebration at the Riverside Majestic Hotel, the Premier underlined education as a powerful tool that transcends all boundaries.
“A person cannot fulfil their responsibilities without knowledge, and knowledge is essential for every individual,” he said, reaffirming the State government’s commitment to human capital development.
Abang Johari highlighted Sarawak’s strategic education agenda, particularly its proactive stance in embracing science, technology, and multilingualism to keep pace with global trends.
He said the state’s Dual Language Programme (DLP), which uses English to teach Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, is a deliberate choice aimed at equipping future generations with critical scientific and technological competencies.
“Some say, ‘Why is Sarawak focusing so much on English?’ We view English not as a colonial language, but as a language of knowledge. With today’s advanced technologies, including AI and emerging sciences, we must equip ourselves with the right tools,” he said.
Citing Sarawak’s ambitions in green energy development, including hydrogen production from water through scientific processes, he said strong foundational knowledge in science is essential to support these goals.
“If we want to contribute to carbon mitigation and move away from fossil fuels, we need scientific knowledge. That is why we are investing in the DLP and in training our teachers so they are equipped to pass on this knowledge to our children,” he added.
Abang Johari also expressed deep appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Education and its minister for their collaborative efforts in improving the education system nationwide, including in Sarawak.
He acknowledged that the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) was discussed earlier, and emphasised the importance of continuous cooperation between federal and state governments to drive educational progress across all regions.
