KUCHING: The Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has stressed the importance of education in driving the state’s sustainable development, particularly in high technology and renewable energy.
Wan Junaidi said Chinese and Bumiputera youth must excel in English, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
He pointed out that the success of the Chinese community in these areas has been a key factor in building a skilled workforce, which is essential for meeting the demands of an economy increasingly driven by technology.
As such, he urged all communities to follow this example to ensure Sarawak’s children are well-prepared for the future.
“The success of the Chinese community in these fields has proven to be effective in producing a highly skilled workforce.
“This is crucial to ensure that the youth of Sarawak are ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow, especially in sectors that are growing rapidly due to technological advancements,” he said in his Chinese New Year message.
The Head of State asserted that through coordinated efforts in education and training, Sarawak can develop a workforce capable of leading innovation.
This, in turn, will help the state progress toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future.
He called for a collective effort from all sectors to ensure educational institutions can provide the necessary tools and resources to nurture this talent.
One of the most significant initiatives he mentioned was the Premier’s plan to introduce free higher education for Sarawak’s students in 2026.
Wan Junaidi described this move as a significant step toward ensuring that all Sarawakians, regardless of their background, have access to quality education.
This initiative, he said, will provide students with the opportunity to pursue higher education at state-owned institutions, which will play a vital role in producing graduates who are competitive, innovative, and capable of meeting global workforce demands.
“This initiative will not only strengthen human capital development but also contribute to the socio-economic advancement of Sarawak.
“With the commitment and cooperation of all parties, the vision for achieving sustainable development in the state can be realised, ultimately benefiting both the current and future generations.
“This step is crucial to ensure that Sarawak does not fall behind in the global modernisation trend and remains competitive on the international stage,” he added.
Additionally, Wan Junaidi also noted that a skilled and well-trained workforce is essential for Sarawak’s continued progress.
He pointed out that without a capable workforce, the state’s goals for economic and social development would face significant challenges.
In light of this, he urged further investment in education, training, and skills development to ensure that Sarawak’s workforce can meet the growing demands of an evolving market.
“Investment in human capital development needs to be increased so that Sarawak’s workforce can meet the growing demands of the market.
“With a highly skilled workforce, Sarawak will be able to compete at the national and international levels, strengthening the foundation for inclusive economic and social development and contributing to the well-being and prosperity of the people.”
