KUCHING: Developing Sarawakian talent in science and technology is crucial to ensuring the state’s natural resources are utilised to their full potential to drive economic growth.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said Sarawak had an advantage in its diverse energy resources, including hydropower, solar, biomass and natural gas.

He said this diversity presented opportunities for Sarawak to explore cleaner alternative energy sources, including producing hydrogen from water.

“To convert these resources into energy, we need skilled workers who have at least a basic grounding in science. That is why the Sarawak Government places strong emphasis on education,” he said.

He was speaking at the Swinburne Sarawak 2026 Appreciation Dinner and Awards Ceremony at a leading hotel here on Tuesday.

On a related note, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari stressed the importance of producing more Sarawakians specialising in algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) to meet the demands of future technological development.

He said that while AI could process data systematically and accurately based on its programming, human wisdom shaped by experience remained important in determining solutions.

He explained that combining human capabilities with AI technology, supported by the state’s wealth of natural resources, could drive Sarawak’s economic growth to greater heights.

At the highlight of the ceremony, the Sarawak Premier presented the Outstanding Graduate Award to Evan Wong Kuan Seng and the Sarawak Outstanding Graduate Award to Nursyahida Abdul Rashid.

In addition, 10 outstanding graduates from Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus received Industry Awards for Excellent Academic Performance in recognition of their achievements in their respective fields of study.

The awards were presented by the university’s industry partners, including Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd, CPA Australia Ltd, Ernst & Young PLT, Crowe Malaysia PLT, KPMG Malaysia PLT, Hock Seng Lee Berhad, My Team Stars (M) Sdn Bhd, Sarawak Oil Palms Berhad and PDC Design Group Sdn Bhd.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Swinburne Sarawak Board of Directors chairman Datuk Amar Jaul Samion, and Swinburne University of Technology Vice-President (Education, Experience and Graduate Employability) and Registrar Ewan Evans. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photos: Jaed Tepus
Translator: Uilson Ng