By Shikin Louis
KOTA SAMARAHAN, Aug 15: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has urged Sarawak’s youth to harness technology and knowledge to develop businesses and create new economic opportunities.
Speaking at the Sarawak Youth Week 2026 celebration at the Kota Samarahan Civic Centre here today, Abang Johari cited Alibaba founder Jack Ma as an example of how knowledge gained abroad could be adapted to strengthen the economy back home.
He says Ma started his career as an English teacher and later travelled to the United States, where he was exposed to developments in the technology sector, including Amazon.
Upon returning to China, Ma used what he had learned to establish Alibaba, which eventually grew into a leading Chinese company with a global presence.
“If Jack Ma can do it, why can’t the people of Samarahan?
“Our young people must be able to do it. Take this as an example of how technology learned from other countries can be used to strengthen home country’s economy,” he said.
Abang Johari also said entrepreneurship begins with startups and new companies, with the State government providing support for young people to test their ideas and develop small businesses that can be expanded over time.
He said RM28 million in grants and loans has been allocated to support the development of such businesses, including those that use technology to improve and expand their activities.
The initiative is intended to provide young Sarawakians with a platform to explore their entrepreneurial potential and contribute to economic development in both urban and rural areas, he added.
Also present were Abang Johari’s daughter Dayang Norjihan; Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Sarawak Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker and Muara Tuang assemblyman Datuk Idris Buang; Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat; Malaysian Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development and Kota Samarahan MP Datuk Rubiah Wang; Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) permanent secretary Dzulkornain Masron; and Samarahan Division Resident Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang. — DayakDaily
