By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Jan 22: Sarawak has the potential to produce leather made from gas rather than traditional animal skins such as cow or crocodile.
Highlighting Sarawak’s abundant gas resources, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg called for more graduates in engineering and science to explore and develop this innovative industry.
“Leather is traditionally associated with animal skins like cow or crocodile. This morning, I saw leather and thought it was made from cowhide, but it was actually made from gas.
“Leather is mainly associated with animal skins like cow or crocodile. This morning, I saw the leather and thought it was made out of cow skin. But it was made out of gas.
“In chemistry, this process is called cracking. They crack the gas and convert it into ethylene and then polyethylene which can be used to make leather,” he said when officiating the Graduates Enhancement Training Sarawak – Work Readiness Programme (GETS-WRP) at Wisma Bapa Malaysia today.
Abang Johari underscored the critical need for an innovative and creative workforce to elevate Sarawak’s economy to an advanced level, leveraging opportunities across various industries.
He warned against the “middle-economy trap”, emphasising the importance of equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve a high-income economy.
“A developing economy is sometimes described as a middle-income economy, where growth stagnates. To break free, we need graduates who not only possess basic knowledge but who also develop expertise and add value to their skillsets,” he said.
Recognising the transformative role of high technology and artificial intelligence (AI), Abang Johari noted their growing impact on diverse sectors such as healthcare and agriculture.
“In healthcare, AI is now supplementing doctors and pharmacists in diagnosing illnesses and prescribing medicine. In agriculture, high-tech machines and automation are revolutionising paddy farming, easing the workload without breaking their back bones for conventional farmers.
“Even nurses need technical knowledge to operate advanced machines. We must adapt and embrace change, as the way we work today will be different in the future. Sarawak needs a competent economy driven by skilled manpower capable of competing globally,” he added.
Abang Johari urged graduates and professionals to continually enhance their skills to propel Sarawak’s economy forward and secure a high-income future.
The GETS-WRP initiative is part of the Sarawak government’s efforts to prepare graduates for the workforce by equipping them with industry-relevant skills.
With a budget allocation of RM23 million for 1,000 interns or graduates in 2025, the programme aims to support roles in government services, government-linked companies, and the private sector, reflecting the government’s commitment to youth development and workforce readiness.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Art Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn , Sarawak secretary and Scope chairman Datuk Amar Mohd Abu Bakar Marzuki, and Datuk Deputy Sarawak Secretary and GETS Committee chairman Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel were among those present. — DayakDaily
