By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 14: Sarawak’s education priority is to build a talent ecosystem where Anak Sarawak are not only equipped with knowledge but also possess the ability to innovate, solve problems and compete on the global stage.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that education remains central to Sarawak’s development agenda as the region undergoes a major economic transformation driven by technology, innovation and high-value industries.
“Sarawak is preparing its young people not just for existing jobs, but for careers that may not yet exist, in line with the state’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030),” he said in his speech text read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian when officiating the opening of the new extension block of St Joseph’s Private Schools (SJPS) today.
He noted that Sarawak’s future economy will be built around sectors such as renewable energy, hydrogen, artificial intelligence, the digital economy, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, aerospace, biotechnology, carbon management and green technology.
“These are industries that require highly skilled workers, researchers, engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs and innovators. Therefore, our education system must evolve alongside our economy,” he said.
Abang Johari stressed that human capital remains the most important resource in Sarawak’s journey towards becoming a developed economy.
“Natural resources may provide us with opportunities. Technology may accelerate our growth. But it is our people who will ultimately determine Sarawak’s success,” he said.
Congratulating the Board of Management, school leadership, teachers, parents, benefactors and alumni on the completion of the extension block, the Premier described the new facility as more than just another building.
“Today is about celebrating a shared commitment to investing in the future,” he said, adding that every classroom built today creates opportunities that will benefit generations tomorrow.
He said the Sarawak government views education as a long-term investment and continues to support the sector through various initiatives aimed at developing future-ready talent.
Among these initiatives is the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), which enables eligible Sarawakian students to pursue studies at selected state-owned higher learning institutions without tuition fees.
According to Abang Johari, the initiative reflects the government’s belief that financial circumstances should never prevent capable Sarawakians from achieving their aspirations.
Beyond financial assistance, he said the Sarawak is also strengthening scholarship programmes, technical and vocational education, digital learning, research collaborations, industry partnerships and talent development initiatives.
“Our aspiration is not simply to produce graduates. Our aspiration is to produce future leaders, future innovators, future entrepreneurs, future researchers, future policy makers and future nation builders,” he said.
The Premier also highlighted the important role played by private schools such as SJPS in complementing the region’s education ecosystem.
For generations, he said, the school has produced professionals, business leaders, educators, public servants and community leaders while instilling values such as discipline, integrity, compassion, service and leadership.
“In an age where technology continues to evolve rapidly, strong values will become even more important. While artificial intelligence may replace certain tasks, it can never replace character, integrity, empathy and humanity,” he said.
Abang Johari said the new extension block, featuring a multipurpose hall, modern classrooms, multimedia learning spaces, upgraded science laboratories, performing arts facilities, music and dance studios, an expanded library, gallery and improved student amenities, would provide an environment that encourages creativity, collaboration and innovation.
He expressed confidence that students studying at the school today would one day lead emerging industries, solve future challenges and develop technologies that improve lives.
“As we continue implementing PCDS 2030, our greatest aspiration is not simply to build better infrastructure. It is to build better people.
“The greatest legacy any government can leave behind is an educated, capable and responsible generation that is ready to lead Sarawak into the future,” he said.
Advisor to the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong, Archbishop Dato Dr Simon Poh as well as the school’s chief executive officer Christopher Chua and principal Fr. Stanley Goh Yu-Ming were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
