By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 4: Nurturing the next generation of scientists and researchers is crucial to Sarawak’s ambition of building a strong research ecosystem to drive its transition towards a high-technology, innovation-driven economy.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the State’s progress depended not only on economic strength but also on its people’s ability to master knowledge, develop expertise and drive technological innovation.
He said science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, together with a strong research culture, must continue to be strengthened, particularly among the younger generation.
The Premier said this during a meeting with 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics laureate Professor Pierre Agostini, who paid him a courtesy call alongside a delegation from the Malaysian Institute of Physics (MIP) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Agostini was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2023 for his pioneering contributions to attosecond physics, which enabled the study of electron dynamics in matter at extremely short timescales.
The Premier expressed hope that the achievements of scientific luminaries such as Agostini would inspire students, lecturers and young researchers to pursue knowledge and make discoveries that benefit society.
He also highlighted Sarawak’s potential to become a centre of excellence for science, research and innovation, in line with its aspirations to develop a high-technology economy driven by renewable energy and a skilled workforce.
To realise this vision, he said, collaboration between local higher education institutions and international universities and research centers must be expanded, particularly in strategic fields such as quantum technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and high-tech industries.
At the same time, efforts to attract and retain local expertise must be stepped up through career opportunities, research facilities, and a conducive working environment.
Abang Johari further emphasised the need to develop a robust research ecosystem through improved laboratory facilities, greater industry participation and strategic partnerships with higher education institutions. This would help ensure research outcomes could be translated into practical innovations, high-quality job opportunities and economic growth for Sarawak.
Agostini was accompanied by MIP president Professor Tou Teck Yong and senior officials from the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD), including its Permanent Secretary Datu Haji Adana Haji Jed. – DayakDaily
