By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 26: Sarawak’s transformation should not be judged by its buildings, highways or economic figures alone, but also by the knowledge and intellectual strength of its people, which can be passed on to future generations.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the strength of the people’s intellect and their ability to acquire and apply knowledge must move in tandem with physical development and technological advancement.
“Indeed, the progress of a region cannot be measured solely by its buildings, highways or economic value.
“It is also measured by the level of thinking among its people, the strength of its knowledge institutions, and the ability of society to document experiences and knowledge to be passed down to future generations,” he said in his speech, which was read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan at the Premier of Sarawak Best Book Award 2024/2025 presentation ceremony in Kuching last night (Sept 25).
According to a report by TVS, Abang Johari said Sarawak was moving towards a development model driven increasingly by innovation, technology and a knowledge-based economy.
This includes emerging areas such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI) and green technology.
“Although technology is a key driver of this transformation, knowledge remains the foundation of all the progress we seek to achieve.
“A society that reads will develop into a society that thinks. A society that thinks will also be better prepared to create solutions to the challenges of the future,” he said.
He said books should therefore be seen not merely as reading materials, but as a means of shaping minds, documenting experiences and building civilisation.
Beyond preserving history and community experiences, Abang Johari said the publication and documentation of knowledge could provide valuable references for future generations.
This, in turn, would help prepare them to navigate changes brought about by advancing technology and a changing economy. — DayakDaily
