KUCHING: Sarawak needs to develop local expertise in metallurgy, science and technology to enable rare earth elements (REE) to be processed and given added value within the state.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said mastery of processing technology is crucial to ensuring the potential of REE resources can be fully utilised and not limited to merely producing raw materials.

He said Sarawak requires highly skilled human capital, including scientists and researchers capable of mastering REE-related processes and producing high-value products from these resources.

“However, we must have the expertise. That is why our human capital must be prepared and we must have resource management, as well as resource scientists.

“Otherwise, we will not be able to add value because we do not know how to do it. For example, magnets, how do we produce magnets?

“The second thing I mentioned earlier, Gallium Nitride, is also related to REE, but there must be a process involved and we must learn about that process,” he said when met by reporters after officiating the AI For Makers: Borneo Makers Festival 2026 programme at TEGAS Digital Village here on Sunday.

He added that metallurgy is among the areas of expertise that require attention as it is closely linked to the processing of metals and raw materials available in Sarawak.

He said mastery of knowledge and technology in the field would enable Sarawak to enhance the value of its resources, including materials with potential applications in the development of modern technologies.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari also stressed the importance of producing more local scientists and researchers to expand knowledge and conduct studies related to the state’s resources.

According to him, Sarawak has various resources that can be developed, but human capital capability is a crucial factor in ensuring these resources can be explored and utilised optimally.

“In Sarawak, if possible, we want scientists who can contribute knowledge in this field and obtain Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) qualifications in this subject because it is related to our resources,” he said. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photos: Hazrin Sunaini
Translator: Uilson Ng