LAWAS: Education must continue to be prioritised to produce a generation of Lawas residents equipped with knowledge and skills in science, technology, digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI).

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said human capital development must move in tandem with physical development and economic strength to ensure the state’s progress benefits the people.

He said true progress did not solely depend on infrastructure and economic development, but was also determined by knowledge, values and the quality of society.

He said this in his speech at the Lawas District Maulidur Rasul Celebration 2026/1448H at Hotel Seri Malaysia here on Wednesday.

In another development, he also called on the community to use technology responsibly and verify information before believing or sharing it to prevent the spread of fake news that could affect unity.

Meanwhile, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah, who is also Bukit Sari Assemblyman, stressed that racial, religious and cultural harmony in Lawas must continue to be preserved as the foundation for societal stability and progress.

Meanwhile, Lawas District Officer Ladin Atok said a total of 49 entries were received for the banner competition held in conjunction with the celebration, which was contested in four categories.

The Male Icon Award was presented to Hasan Pilus, while the Female Icon Award went to Aminah @ Jamilah Pangkat.

The Business Icons Award was presented to Muhamad Airan Paran John and Siti Alam Arbi, while the Male and Female Sports Icons were respectively awarded to Muhd Najmudin Matnor and Nur Alisha Muhd Razali.

The Academic Icon Award was won by Nurin Imanina Suhaibi, while the New Muslim Icon Award was received by Normaniza Abdullah.

Also present were the wife of the Sarawak Deputy Premier, Dato Dayang Morliah Datuk Awang Daud, and Lawas Member of Parliament Dato Henry Sum Agong. -UKASnews

Translator: Uilson Ng