By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 20: Drawing inspiration from China’s highly successful approach, Sarawak is forging a path of significant transformation and progress by prioritising education and the development of research centres, which are crucial for nurturing the ‘brains’ of innovation essential for achieving extraordinary success, says political pundit Dato Peter Minos.
Minos, who is also the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman, shared his conviction after a recent visit to China, where he observed the integral role of research and education in the country’s meteoric rise over the past three decades.
“From Jining District near Kunming City in Yunnan Province to Jinan City in Shandong Province, one thing stood out—every district has huge and sophisticated research and development centres. They consider these a must,” he said in a statement today.
Highlighting China’s rise as a global economic powerhouse, Minos pointed to their strategic investments in education and research as the driving forces behind their rapid advancement.
“I have long wondered how China managed to advance and progress so rapidly over the past 30 years, to the point where it now rivals and surpasses the mighty United States in the economy and other fields. At last, I found the answer, and my curiosity was finally satisfied.
“With a population of 1.4 billion—characterised by pride, grit, and determination—alongside visionary central leadership and growing wealth, I believe China’s focus on research has been the cornerstone and the true miracle behind its national development and progress,” he noted.
Minos reflected on China’s journey, which began with President Deng Xiaoping’s modernisation efforts in 1975.
He noted that education was prioritised on a massive scale, with millions sent overseas to acquire modern skills and expertise from the West and Japan. Upon their return, the Chinese government established research centres nationwide, blending modern knowledge with indigenous ideas.
“These centres became the breeding ground for perfection in ideas, leading to extraordinary achievements in technology and the economy,” Minos explained, citing examples such as the world-renowned BYD electric vehicles, advanced AI technologies, and military innovations.
Even seemingly niche industries have flourished through research. In Jining District, for example, he learnt that millions of yuans were invested in cultivating more vibrant roses for export, which helped generate billions in revenue for the country’s economy.
He highlighted that the Chinese central and provincial governments have invested billions in establishing and maintaining research centres, often referred to as the nation’s ‘brains’.
“These centres conduct extensive research across various fields, with their findings directly applied to industries. To further encourage innovation, the central government in Beijing annually provides substantial awards and support for the best research outcomes that demonstrate practical and successful industrial applications,” he said.
Minos commended Sarawak’s leadership under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for following a similar path by prioritising education and research.
“Fast-developing Sarawak is doing very well by emulating China’s research and education model. If it has been successful in China, it can succeed here in our beautiful Sarawak,” he said. — DayakDaily
