By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 1: Sarawakians, whether rural children, farmers, or fishermen, must learn English and further their knowledge to boldly innovate and thrive in the new economy, including the fast-growing semiconductor industry,
Speaking during an exclusive interview with Agenda Awani on Sarawak Strengthens Malaysia Semiconductor Industry in London, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg underscored that building a knowledge-based society and cultivating future innovators requires access to education for all, with English proficiency and free tertiary education at State-owned universities starting next year forming the foundation of this vision.
He explained that Sarawak’s ambitious semiconductor roadmap and SMD Semiconductors initiative will only succeed with a fully developed ecosystem that benefits all Sarawakians, from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and university graduates to technical and vocational education and training (TVET) learners.
“Training is key. If you talk about semiconductors, you must have basic Physics and Chemistry. Without Physics, there is no way,” he said, noting that education is the backbone of the high-tech industry.
English, he stressed, remains vital for instruction and communication, especially as Sarawakians collaborate with global partners such as Catapult.
“That’s why Sarawak retains English, apart from national language Bahasa Malaysia. If Malaysia and Sarawak want to be global players, our education policies must also be pragmatic. The world economy now depends on chips, for space, communication, transport, even food security. Drones spreading fertiliser use chips. Everything depends on chips. We must become a strong player in this industry,” Abang Johari said.
To ensure equitable benefits across Sarawak, Abang Johari drew on a Chinese proverb: “Don’t just give a fish but give a fishing rod and teach them to fish”.
He said free tertiary education allows youth to pursue higher studies, even PhDs, researching emerging fields such as Gallium, while empowering rural communities.
“Whether rural children, farmers, or fishermen, we must provide them access to knowledge,” he said.
Highlighting international collaboration, Abang Johari recounted a recent meeting with Professor Larry Kramer, Vice-Chancellor of the London School of Economics.
“He said, ‘You have natural capital, but lack human capital.’ Sarawak is rich in natural resources; now we are building human capital. Combine the two, and the world is yours,” he said.
Addressing Sarawakian youth worldwide, from students abroad to night market vendors and primary school pupils, Abang Johari urged confidence and courage.
“Who would have thought Sarawak would one day produce semiconductors? We used to be known only for longhouses, and some even said we lived in trees. But today, here we are in London, launching KETEQ AI.
“It must begin with self-confidence, and then continuous learning for the future. Just move forward with confidence. Every effort carries risks, but they must be calculated risks. If the chances of success outweigh failure, proceed. That is exactly what Sarawak is doing today,” he said. — DayakDaily
