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By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Aug 6: Sarawak needs data analysts, coders, cybersecurity analysts, robotics engineers, and chip designers, says Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said this during his address at the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) 7th Convocation Ceremony, held today at Dewan Canselor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, UTS, in Sibu.
“To our graduates, perhaps you may want to do your postgrad (studies). I would like to share with you what Sarawak needs. First, we need data analysts. Data is ‘the new oil’ of the future and therefore I hope Sarawakians will be able to prepare themselves for this ‘new oil’ by analysing the data that is available.
“(Secondly), we also need people who can read and also do coding and decoding. You have the data, but you have to know how to translate the data through the process of coding and decoding.
“But data is something which is precious and it must be protected. (Therefore thirdly,) we need cybersecurity analysts. I hope this area will insulate strategic data and data that can be a basis for us to move forward,” he said.
Abang Johari also emphasised Sarawak’s need for robotics expertise, stating that by using robots as a manufacturing process, people no longer need to rely on manual labour, particularly in the agricultural sector.
“We have problems even plucking our oil palm. Without labour we cannot sell our oil palm, but there must be a mechanism in place where we can use robots to pluck our oil palm. (And) of course, when you have the robot, you have the machine, and when you have the machine, you need chips.
“(So) I would like Sarawakians to have expertise in chip design, particularly as we transition from fossil fuel to hydrogen. Everything will change. The conversion engine is no longer present, so many chips are required in the machine, including chips for healthcare and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Without chips, they cannot analyse your sickness.
“Therefore, I would urge those considering further postgraduate studies to look into this area. And I hope that by 2030, Sarawak will have a high income and a globally competitive economy. We must have that ambition,” the Premier said.
The two-day convocation ceremony which is being held from August 5 to 6, saw the conferment of awards to the graduating class of 2023.
Abang Johari, who is also UTS pro-chancellor, graced the event and presented the awards to the graduates. — DayakDaily
