KUCHING: Civil servants are urged to continuously equip themselves with new skills and knowledge to remain relevant in a public service landscape increasingly driven by technology.

Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki said the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), digital platforms and modern communication technologies requires civil servants to adapt quickly so they do not fall behind the pace of change.

“We must make sure we remain relevant at all times. We should never reach a point where we are no longer relevant.

“With all the changes taking place in the world today, particularly in our line of service, with the advancement of AI and the evolution of social media technology, we must not allow ourselves to lag behind.

“We should not reach a stage where we can no longer keep pace with technological development and the passage of time,” he said when delivering his address in conjunction with the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) Integrity and Aspirations Day at a leading hotel here on Friday.

He stressed that change is inevitable, including the changes individuals go through as time moves forward.

He noted that rapid technological advancement makes the need to stay relevant even more pressing, and civil servants must equip themselves with new skill sets to meet this demand.

Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar also highlighted the importance of the 3R concept (Revisit, Rethink and Recharge), as a key approach to strengthening performance and ensuring that every department remains relevant in delivering public services.

He emphasised that every unit under the government, including UKAS, has its own responsibilities but ultimately shares the same objective: to provide the best possible service to the people.

“UKAS must continue to be a government communications agency capable of keeping pace with technological development, ensuring that all information disseminated is authentic, accurate and responsible,” he added.

Also present were UKAS Director Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan, senior UKAS officers and members of the UKAS workforce. -UKASnews