By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 31: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has declared “brainpower” as Sarawak’s new growth engine, signalling a shift from reliance on natural resources towards a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation, technology and skilled talent.
In his Gawai Dayak 2026 message, Abang Johari said the era of depending entirely on oil, gas and other finite natural resources has passed, as Sarawak positions itself for the next phase of development under the Sarawak Malaysia Plan 2026-2030 (RMK-13) and the second phase of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“While Sarawak’s development was previously driven largely by oil, gas and other natural resources, we are now moving towards an economy powered by brainpower and intellectual capital.
“We recognise that knowledge, creativity, skills and wisdom are limitless. That is why the greatest investment we can make today is in the children of Sarawak,” he said.
As part of that effort, Abang Johari revealed that 4,694 students have benefited from Sarawak’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), with the number expected to reach 10,000 by the end of this year as access to higher education continues to be expanded.
He also highlighted Yayasan Sarawak’s four-year PhD sponsorship programme in collaboration with the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom, aimed at producing highly skilled local talent capable of contributing to cutting-edge industries.
One of the programme’s earliest participants is an engineer from SMD Semiconductor, reflecting Sarawak’s ambition to nurture homegrown expertise in advanced technology sectors.
Abang Johari said the State’s investment in human capital is closely linked to its broader push into high-value industries, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence and aerospace technology.
Among the key initiatives underway is Southeast Asia’s first semiconductor-grade polysilicon plant in Bintulu, a strategic project backed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private-sector arm of the World Bank Group.
The Premier said the project demonstrates growing international confidence in Sarawak’s potential as a future technology hub.
Beyond semiconductors, Sarawak is also preparing to enter the aerospace sector through plans to develop a CubeSat-based nano-satellite targeted for launch by 2030.
The low-earth orbit satellites are expected to support real-time geolocation services, forestry monitoring, maritime surveillance, disaster management and earth observation capabilities.
At the same time, the State is developing the 405-hectare Kuching AI Data Campus in Tanjung Embang, envisioned as a catalyst for a regional artificial intelligence ecosystem and a platform to attract high-quality global investments.
Abang Johari said these initiatives form part of Sarawak’s wider aspiration to become a developed, prosperous, inclusive and sustainable region by 2030, with a targeted gross domestic product (GDP) of RM282 billion.
He stressed that the State’s ongoing transformation is not merely about economic expansion or technological advancement, but about creating opportunities, raising living standards and ensuring all Sarawakians share in the prosperity being built.
As Sarawakians celebrate Gawai Dayak, Abang Johari called on the people to remain united and uphold the spirit of “Segulai Sejalai”, saying unity and stability remain essential to achieving the State’s long-term ambitions.
“With strong leadership and the unity of our people, I am confident Sarawak will continue to emerge as a progressive and competitive region at both the ASEAN and international levels,” he added. — DayakDaily
