By Ling Hui & Karen Bong
BINTULU, Nov 1: Sarawak needs a highly skilled and knowledgeable ‘ketek’ (digital) generation human capital, proficient in science and technology, to support and propel its economic expansion and elevation alongside transition towards green economy.
As Sarawak transitions towards the new and green economy, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stressed the necessity for specialised skills which require science and technology knowledge in emerging fields such as hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) based on microalgae, sour gas, green ammonia and methanol and more.
“The teaching of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is vital not only for Sarawak’s advancement but to elevate the household income of Sarawakians. Education is the key to reducing poverty.
“This is where MRSM can play their part in producing excellent human capital and talent who are highly skilled, knowledegable and proficient in science including chemistry, physics and biology, and high-technology who can meet the demands of our economic expansion and transition,” he said.
He went on to point out that in today’s ‘ketek’ world, people have access to technology where platforms like ChatGPT can provide answers and inspire innovation and solutions to problems, including mitigating climate crisis.
Abang Johari highlighted this during the handing over and launching of the RM122 million Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) Bintulu at its new campus here today.
In this advanced era where technology is growing rapidly and becoming more complex, the Premier urged Sarawakians to learn lessons from the progress of countries like United States of America and China.
“America advanced due to their talents including its immigrant community. Like I have mentioned, hybrid people are intelligent. So is China who send their talents overseas to gain more knowledge.
“So, don’t lose to Americans, don’t be confined to ourselves but expand our horizons,” he advised.
With scientists now researching and exploring possibility of migrating to and living in Mars planet, he pointed out that all these require science and technology knowledge.
“That’s why I have urged Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) to equip all urban and rural schools, not only science-based schools, with science laboratories to ensure students can be exposed and learn science subjects with practical and hands-on experiences, not only through theories in books,” he added.
Abang Johari expressed gratitude for MRSM in the Jepak area, Bintulu, that will provide greater opportunity for Sarawakian children to pursue higher education and excel in science-related fields.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Stephen Rundi Utom, Federal Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang and PETRONAS chairman Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh were among those present. — DayakDaily
