KUCHING: The Sarawak Government continues to provide space for women to participate in decision-making processes through appointments to strategic positions within the state public service.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this was evident in the appointment of women to senior posts, including deputy state secretary and other high-ranking positions in the state civil service.
“As an example, the appointment of a woman as general manager of the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is a first of its kind.
“SEDC is an important body for Sarawak’s economy, and women now clearly have a place in driving our economic development forward,” he said at the International Women’s Day Celebration for the Borneo Zone held here today.
Abang Johari added that women have also been appointed as chief executive officers in agencies related to Sarawak and other sectors, and more opportunities would continue to be given to women in the future.
He noted that increasing women’s participation in leadership and policymaking remains a key focus of the state government.
According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), as of December 2025, women accounted for 39.3 per cent of decision-makers and top management positions in public agencies.
In 2024, women made up 33 per cent of board members among the top 100 listed public companies (PLCs).
However, he stressed that leadership capacity-building for women must be carried out systematically to ensure more women are able to contribute at the strategic level.
“Women must also be empowered with technological skills, data literacy and digital innovation capabilities so that they are not merely technology users but also creators, leaders and decision-makers within the national digital ecosystem.
“Sarawak is moving towards a new economy encompassing green energy, hydrogen, the digital economy, aerospace, creative industries and high technology. This is the future of our state,” he said.
He emphasised that the future economy would not succeed without women’s involvement, adding that Sarawak needs more women engineers, scientists, data specialists, technology entrepreneurs and leaders across all emerging sectors.
To this end, Abang Johari said the Sarawak Government places strong emphasis on human capital development, including the provision of free tertiary education at state-owned institutions, to ensure that Sarawakian children including daughters have access to education without financial barriers.
“Education is the key to social mobility. When a woman is educated, her entire family is uplifted, and the next generation will be more successful,” he said.
