By Amanda L
KUCHING, Oct 14: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg returned to Kuching from a one-day trip to Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday (Oct 13) and proceeded to attend a university dinner, saying Sarawak’s future depended on the young talent it was nurturing today.
He had travelled to Kuala Lumpur that morning for a meeting with the Prime Minister before returning to Kuching for the Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus Alumni and Partners Appreciation Dinner 2026.
“Tidak apalah. Lelah-lelah pun go ahead saja. I don’t care. I don’t feel tired,” he said, explaining why he chose to attend the dinner despite his demanding schedule.
Addressing students at the event, Abang Johari urged them to make full use of their educational opportunities and apply their knowledge towards Sarawak’s development.
“That is the future of Sarawak, and you are the future. You’re given the opportunity, you study hard and build Sarawak,” he said.
His call comes as Sarawak pursues a shift towards a high-value economy driven by artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology and other advanced industries. The Premier said the State would need a skilled workforce, particularly scientists and engineers, to develop these sectors and extract greater value from its resources.
Among the areas he highlighted were hydrogen energy, semiconductor design and satellite technology, which require Sarawak to develop its own expertise rather than depend on technologies created elsewhere.
“You must be the creator of technology, not the user of technology,” he said.
The State government’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) is one of its initiatives to develop local talent, with 10,000 students expected to benefit by the end of 2026.
Abang Johari said the Sarawak government had announced an additional RM200 million for the scheme, with its financial commitment expected to grow as more cohorts of students enter the programme.
He urged students to take their studies seriously and use the opportunities available to them to contribute to Sarawak’s economic ambitions.
“Study hard, Sarawak needs you,” he said. — DayakDaily
