KUCHING: English proficiency is a critical enabler in Sarawak’s journey towards becoming a high-income, innovation-driven economy, with the language serving as a gateway to global knowledge, particularly in science and emerging industries.
Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, said the state requires a workforce that is not only technically competent but also able to communicate and collaborate confidently on the international stage.
He said Sarawak’s development policies are increasingly focused on emerging sectors such as the green economy, renewable energy, and carbon capture and storage (CCS), all of which rely heavily on scientific knowledge that is predominantly available in English.
“We look at areas that are new to the world economy. Most of them are related to science, and the language that gives us access to knowledge in these fields is English.
“The bridge between us and the other side of the world is the English language,” he said when opening the Sarawak English Language Education Symposium (SELES) 2026 here today.
Sagah said English proficiency also plays a crucial role in enhancing graduates’ employability, particularly in multinational companies operating in Malaysia.
Referring to findings from employment surveys, he said many graduates continue to struggle to secure jobs because of weak English communication skills.
“Why? Poor English. Even among those trained to become teachers, some graduate as English teachers but still cannot speak English well,” he said.
To address the issue, he said the Sarawak Government continues to strengthen English language education through initiatives such as the Dual Language Programme Sarawak (DLP Sarawak), which is now in its seventh year, and the ‘Ujian Penilaian Dual Language Programme Sarawak’ (UPDLPS) test.
He described the programmes as significant milestones in strengthening the teaching and learning of science and mathematics in English.
Sagah stressed that while much attention is often given to science and mathematics teachers under DLP Sarawak, the programme’s success begins with strong English language instruction.
He said English teachers play a vital role in equipping students with the language foundation needed to understand concepts, access learning resources, and communicate confidently in English.
“The contribution of English language educators extends far beyond the classroom. By strengthening students’ language proficiency, they are directly supporting their ability to learn science, mathematics and other subjects more effectively.
“In many ways, they are helping to lay the foundation for Sarawak’s future scientists, engineers, innovators and professionals,” he said.
Sagah added that educators have a shared responsibility to equip students not only with academic knowledge but also with the language skills and confidence needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and competitive world.
He also highlighted SELES as an important platform for professional development, allowing educators to exchange ideas, share best practices and learn from one another.
“The true value of SELES lies not only in what happens during this symposium, but also in how the knowledge gained here is multiplied and translated into better teaching and learning experiences for our students across Sarawak,” he said.
