By Amanda L
KOTA SAMARAHAN, Nov 4: Graduates from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) are poised to play a vital role in driving Sarawak’s emerging industries in renewable energy, gas and petrochemicals, carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS), and semiconductor technology.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is the Pro-Chancellor of Unimas, also said these four frontier sectors will anchor Sarawak’s transition towards a high-income, innovation-based economy, supported by local talents equipped with digital, creative and technical skills.
“Unimas graduates are in the right position to contribute to this transformation. We are moving towards a knowledge-driven economy, and skills in computing, analytics, and creativity are essential for Sarawak’s next phase of growth,” he said when officiating the third session of Unimas’ 29th Convocation at Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra (DeTAR) here today.
Abang Johari noted that Sarawak is actively developing large-scale renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of 10 gigawatts to meet domestic needs and regional exports to Sabah, Singapore and the Philippines by 2032.
He emphasised that the participation of Sarawakian graduates in these high-impact industries is crucial to ensure the State retains its pool of skilled manpower and reduces dependency on external expertise.
“We want Sarawakians to be the engineers, researchers and designers shaping the State’s future industries. Unimas and other local universities play a crucial role in nurturing this next generation of talent,” he added.
The Premier also reaffirmed the State government’s commitment to strengthening research and development (R&D) capacity in local institutions to align with Sarawak’s digital and green economy agenda, particularly through innovation in artificial intelligence, data analytics and sustainable technologies.
He expressed confidence that the graduates, equipped with creative and technological competencies, will be among the key drivers of Sarawak’s progress towards becoming an advanced, high-income state by 2030.
Today, Unimas conferred degrees upon 575 graduates from the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts (FSGK) and the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (FSKTM). — DayakDaily
