KUCHING: Sarawak must prepare its workforce for a rapidly evolving economy shaped by technological advancements and new industries.
Referring to economist Joseph Schumpeter, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said economic transformation is driven by what is known as “creative destruction”, where emerging sectors replace those that have become obsolete.
“As the environment and technology evolve, new economic activities will emerge. Therefore, we must anticipate what jobs will exist in the future and prepare our workforce accordingly.
“By 2037, will Sarawak be ready? Will our mechanics be able to repair hydrogen-powered vehicles, which are very different from conventional engines?” he said during the closing ceremony for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Convention 2026 on Sunday (Apr 19).
Abang Johari said job requirements will inevitably evolve alongside changing industries, making it crucial for the government to ensure future generations are equipped with relevant and in-demand skills.
He said this has shaped the state’s approach under the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), which prioritises Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), with 64 programmes aligned to future industry needs.
He noted that many students tend to opt for courses perceived as easier, resulting in fewer pursuing more demanding but critical disciplines such as finance, accounting, and engineering — a trend that could lead to unemployment if job demand is not matched.
“If too many take up courses like human resource and there are not enough positions available, they will end up unemployed.
“I am not saying our children should only aim to get a degree, but what worries me is when they graduate and still cannot find a job. That means something is wrong with us,” he said.
Abang Johari said fields such as engineering have expanded beyond traditional branches like civil and electrical to incorporate digital applications, while the information technology (IT) sector has similarly evolved to include specialised areas such as cybersecurity and digital safety.
He also said even legal professionals must now equip themselves with new knowledge, including technology and spectrum related laws which is beyond conventional practice.
“These courses may be challenging, but we must encourage our children to pursue STEM-related fields because our economy leading up to 2037 will revolve around these sectors. The jobs are there,” he said.
