BY JACINTHA JOLENE & ALEXANDRA LORNA
KUCHING: The state needs to increase the number of experts in specialised fields such as metallurgy and resource science to develop its mineral wealth into high-value products, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said mastery of knowledge and technology is crucial to ensuring Sarawak does not merely depend on exporting raw resources, but can instead develop downstream industries based on those resources.
“Our human capital must be ready. We must also have resource scientists.
“Otherwise, we cannot add value because we do not know the process,” he said during his speech at the launch of AI for Makers in conjunction with the Borneo Makers Festival 2026 here today (Aug 23).
Abang Johari said Sarawak has various resources that could be developed through research and technology, including rare earth elements with the potential to be used in producing high-value products.
He said Sarawak should not merely export these resources, but explore opportunities to produce downstream products such as high-powered magnets.
He also highlighted the potential of gallium nitride, a high-performance semiconductor material, in the development of new technologies.
He said that such efforts required specialised expertise, including in metallurgy, which is closely related to metals and the processing of mineral resources.
“We need people who are skilled in metallurgy. It is related to metals, and we also have the resources.
“So, we must have scientists in this field,” he said.
In this regard, Abang Johari encouraged Sarawakians to pursue further studies and research in fields related to the State’s resources, including pursuing studies at the doctoral (PhD) level.
He said knowledge and expertise must form the foundation of Sarawak’s efforts to harness its resources, while ensuring the State was capable of producing more competitive products.
“We must always seek knowledge and learn. Let us develop this knowledge in fields related to our resources,” he said.
Speaking to reporters later, Abang Johari said human capital development was also one of the reasons the state was implementing free tertiary education to help local students gain access to higher education.
He said the initiative covers 64 programmes of study across Sarawak and provides opportunities for eligible students regardless of their family background.
“If our children are capable but cannot pursue university studies due to financial constraints, that would be a great loss.
“So, we provide free education as long as they are capable and eligible, regardless of their background,” he said.
He said investment in education is important to ensure Sarawak has a highly skilled workforce capable of mastering technology and developing the State’s resources into products with greater economic value.
