By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 6: Sarawak is placing workers’ safety and wellbeing at the centre of its economic transformation agenda as emerging technologies, climate change and evolving workplace risks reshape the future of employment.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the State will continue to strengthen its occupational safety and health (OSH) agenda as a strategic pillar supporting Sarawak’s economic development.
In a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) news, he said the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), the hydrogen economy, renewable energy and high-technology industries must be pursued sustainably without compromising workers’ wellbeing.
“Economic progress cannot come at the expense of workers’ health, safety and dignity. The workplace of the future must remain safe, healthy, inclusive and sustainable,” he said in a speech delivered by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at the opening of the 24th Asian Congress on Occupational Health (ACOH) 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Abang Johari said the Sarawak’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) requires a workforce that is not only highly skilled but also healthy, protected and resilient to meet the demands of future industries.
He noted that rapid changes in the employment landscape driven by AI, automation, digitalisation, climate change, growing psychosocial risks and mental health concerns require new approaches to strengthening OSH systems.
“These approaches must evolve in tandem with technological advancements and the changing needs of global industries,” he said.
Abang Johari stressed that OSH professionals have a critical role in helping governments and industries create safer, more productive and resilient workplaces amid these transformations.
“The workforce of the future must not only possess technological capabilities, but also be healthy, protected and resilient in navigating changes in the employment landscape,” he said.
He said hosting ACOH 2026 in Sarawak provides a strategic platform for experts, researchers, policymakers and industry leaders from across Asia to exchange research findings, innovations and best practices in addressing emerging OSH challenges.
Regional cooperation, he added, is essential in developing progressive policies and effective solutions as the world of work becomes increasingly complex due to technological advancement and global shifts.
“The challenges of today’s workplace can no longer be addressed in isolation. We must strengthen collaboration, share knowledge and develop collective solutions to ensure every workplace remains safe, healthy and resilient,” he said.
Abang Johari described Sarawak’s selection as host of ACOH 2026 as recognition of the State’s commitment to strengthening its OSH culture and expanding international cooperation in promoting safer, healthier and more sustainable workplaces.
He expressed hope that the congress would accelerate knowledge sharing, technology transfer and improvements in OSH policies, supporting Sarawak’s aspiration of becoming an advanced, inclusive and sustainable economy by 2030. — DayakDaily
