KUCHING: The Bidayuh community has been described as a model for other groups in Sarawak, with the highest ratio of graduates among its people.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the achievement reflected the community’s hard work and its growing role in producing skilled engineers.
He said their success placed them in a strong position to contribute to Sarawak’s shift towards advanced industries and talent development.
“The Bidayuh community, you know the ratio of the graduates, you are the highest. In other words, you are going to produce the engineers that we need.
“For that matter, you become the model for other communities,” he said when officiating at the DBNA Community Hostel and DBNA’s 70th anniversary celebration at DBNA Headquarters on Saturday night.
Abang Johari said the state’s investment in talent began under the former Education, Science and Technological Research Minister, Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong, and was continued by the present Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
“Roland is now busy producing engineers under our Sarawak Microelectronics Design (SMD). So far, we have trained 50 engineers, post-grade, and are working with X-FAB,” he added.
He stressed that Sarawak was building capability in front-end design rather than relying solely on back-end semiconductor plants.
“If we have a back-end SMD plant in Malaysia, for us, we are creating our own chip design. We diversify our economy, and with that diversification, we need talented people,” he said.
The Premier added that this strategy would be supported with free tertiary education for all Sarawakians starting in 2026, funded through state revenue.
He said the initiative was possible because of Sarawak’s growing income and would benefit rural students, including children of farmers and fishermen.
“In the first year, we calculated at least RM400 million. By the third year, the cost will exceed a billion.
“Some may question whether I am too bold, but I say go ahead. As long as Sarawakians are united and focused on our new economy, we can succeed,” he added.
