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By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 28: With the rise of autonomous technology, Sarawak’s private sector need to embrace and adopt high technology, robotics, and artificial intelligence to enhance and address the existing insufficiency in capacity and capability gaps across various industries.
Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian emphasised that this is imperative in light of the multitude of ongoing and upcoming development and infrastructure projects in Sarawak, extending until 2030.
“As the Premier of Sarawak has mentioned, Sarawak presently faces a capacity issue despite the State’s strong financial performance. That’s why there are sick projects due to insufficient capacity.
“While Sarawak previously encountered challenges related to funding and project availability, the situation has now evolved, with an abundance of projects but a shortage of capacity,” he told reporters after launching Zoomlion, a large company which supplies high quality equipment and machinery from China for construction and heavy industry, held at Edaran HS Ngee Hong Service Centre in Siburan here today.
As such, Dr Sim said Sarawak should learn from China, where numerous industries have transitioned towards automation and going autonomous and Sarawak should not wait to jump on the bandwagon because change is imminent.
“It is crucial for Sarawakians to recognise that technology’s rapid advancements, surpassing the scope of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, are transforming all sectors. China is already witnessing the operation of driverless machinery and equipment, and Sarawak will soon experience similar changes.
“Although Sarawak may not possess the same manpower resources as China, it can still effectively embrace and adopt technology,” he added.
Dr Sim pointed out that proactive efforts must be made to foster human capital that meets the demands of future skills and prepares for forthcoming challenges.
“The younger generation should take decisive steps towards embracing the direction of the green economy, which Sarawak has embarked upon, to avoid missing out on emerging opportunities.
“Otherwise, there could be a mismatch in opportunity. There are new jobs but people are not qualified. Even with autonomous technology or high technology equipment and machinery, mechanics are needed for servicing them,” he said.
Additionally, considering Sarawak’s imminent production of hydrogen for the market, Dr Sim also highlighted the potential opportunities, particularly due to hydrogen’s suitability for heavy machinery.
With Sarawak’s abundance resources, he urged the private sector to be strategic and leverage technology effectively to maximise its benefits. — DayakDaily
