KUCHING: The role of engineers remains the driving force behind Sarawak's new development phase which is now focused on economic transformation that combines aspects of infrastructure, energy, technology, environmental sustainability, and talent development.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said that Sarawak is no longer solely focusing on providing basic infrastructure, but instead moving to a more comprehensive strategy under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
According to him, the main goal of PCDS 2030 is to achieve economic prosperity, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability simultaneously.
"For Sarawak, sustainable development cannot be planned in isolation. Energy must support industry. Transport must be planned together with land use and digital connectivity.
"Climate action must be supported by reliable data, clear standards and proper funding and we must prepare the people for the economy we want to build," he said.
He said this when speaking during the opening ceremony of the General Assembly and Convention of the Federation of Engineering Institutions of Asia and the Pacific (FEIAP) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Thursday.
Explaining further, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari emphasised that the economic growth generated must be able to open job opportunities for the people and ensure that development across urban and rural areas is implemented in an inclusive manner.
At the same time, he reminded the importance of managing resources responsibly as well as protecting the environment that has long supported the lives of generations.
The Sarawak Premier also added that the ownership of natural resources alone does not guarantee success, but rather the way these resources are managed, the added value created, as well as the willingness of the people through knowledge and self-confidence will determine the future success of this region.
According to him, engineering also plays an important role in the development of a cleaner and more resilient energy system, in addition to supporting the exploration of solar energy, bioenergy, hydrogen, storage technology and low carbon solutions.
He said the development of new fields such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and aerospace also required strong engineering capabilities.
Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Sarawak Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Ministers, heads of departments and other dignitaries. -UKASnews
Prepared By: Nur Nabilla
Photo: Ibanez Jeffery Guang
Translator: Nerissa Sia
