Sarawak Needs More Local Scientists To Unlock New Value From Natural Resources
KUCHING: Sarawak needs more local scientists to strengthen the state's research and innovation ecosystem, enabling its rich natural resources to be harnessed to create new value and drive a science and technology-based economy.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the state possesses a unique advantage as part of Borneo, the world's third-largest island, which is rich with tropical rainforests, rivers and abundant water resources that play a vital role in maintaining the global ecological balance.
“With that, the Sarawak Government is looking at the resources that we possess. However, the gap we still need to address is the need to produce more scientists.
“We need young Sarawakians equipped with the latest technology and knowledge so that they can fully harness the resources available to us,” he said.
He said this during the inauguration of the Sarawak Science Centre (SSCiEX) here on Wednesday.
Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari added that the world is currently facing significant challenges arising from climate change, with global temperatures exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels posing potential risks to food security and human wellbeing and survival.
In this regard, he said Sarawak must leverage its natural resource strengths to develop more sustainable solutions through science, technology and innovation-driven approaches.
Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Financial Secretary Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar and heads of departments. -UKASnews
