KUCHING: Sarawak continues to prioritise talent development to ensure the state’s strength in the energy sector is translated into added value and economic growth.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the resource advantage possessed by Sarawak must be supported by highly skilled human capital to ensure the state can keep pace with changes in the global economy.

According to him, energy is one of Sarawak’s primary assets and serves as an engine of growth for various economic sectors, but its resources must be enhanced through local expertise and talent.

“Although we possess these strengths, we need people to add value to them.

“Therefore, we have established our own Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development. Talent is the key to moving forward toward a new economy,” he said.

He said this while speaking at the 55th Anniversary Celebration of Yayasan Sarawak held at a leading hotel here on Wednesday.

According to him, the shift in the global economic landscape from a resource-based economy to a modern economy driven by technology, automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum AI requires Sarawak to develop human capital that aligns with future needs.

In this regard, he emphasised that Yayasan Sarawak plays a crucial role in ensuring Sarawakian youths from all backgrounds and locations have opportunities to develop their potential and talents.

He added that this talent development approach must encompass both urban and rural communities to ensure access to quality education is enjoyed comprehensively.

"Yayasan Sarawak must play a very important role in nurturing talented Sarawakians so that we can elevate our economy from the middle-income trap to an advanced economy," he said.

He said Yayasan Sarawak must continue to evolve alongside changing circumstances to ensure its role in human capital development remains relevant.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari who is also Chairman of the Yayasan Sarawak Board of Trustees expressed his appreciation to past leaders, including former Chief Minister Tun Abdul Rahman Ya'kub who established Yayasan Sarawak, as well as its management and Board of Trustees for continuing the state's legacy of human capital development.

He said these efforts are essential to realising Sarawak's aspiration of building a sustainable economy capable of competing with developed nations.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Chief Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, Yayasan Sarawak Director Datu Mohamad Junaidi Mohidin and other dignitaries -UKASnews