The Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) honoured Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg with the prestigious MBOT Technology Leadership Award in July. The Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Chang Lih Kang, presented the award to Abang Johari, touted by Sarawakians as a visionary leader, in recognition of his technological leadership during the MBOT Expert Network, Technology and Innovation Cooperative Event (ENTICE) hosted in Kuala Lumpur.
The Premier’s pioneering efforts in various sectors, which have put the Borneo state on a progressive streak, were cited as the reason for the award, said MBOT President Prof Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir in her citation.[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”block” ihc_mb_who=”unreg” ihc_mb_template=”3″ ]
“The award was apt for a leader who is laying a robust foundation for a prosperous, inclusive, and technologically advanced Sarawak, ensuring continued competitiveness in the global digital infrastructure, green technology, food security, education, and infrastructure reformation,” she said.
In receiving the award, Abang Johari said:
“Our focus on digital infrastructure, green technology, and innovative solutions positions Sarawak as a leader in the Digital Economy and Green Energy sectors. This is how we strategically leverage these technologies to drive growth, foster inclusivity, and promote diversity.”
Last year, the World Bank recognised Sarawak’s achievement of high-income status with a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of over USD 13,205. This year, Sarawak has surpassed USD 16,560.
During the MBOT Borneo Symposium, Abang Johari set a goal for Sarawak to register 10,000 technologists and technicians by 2025. As of June 2024, Sarawak has registered 6,555 technocrats, making the state a strong partner to MBOT.
Before the award ceremony, Abang Johari gave an impressive presentation on his technological leadership, detailing high-tech interventions that are transforming all aspects of the Sarawakian landscape.
This aligns with Sarawak’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, a roadmap aimed at transforming Sarawak into a high-income economy by 2030, focusing on economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability. This includes initiatives in digital infrastructure, promoting green technology, and developing skilled talent.
The Premier is steadfast in ensuring that economic growth is balanced with efforts to address pressing global issues like climate change.
Future Projects for Sarawak
Among the projects slated for the future growth of the state are as follows:
- RM1.89 billion investment to boost infrastructure and digital skills under the Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural, and Nation (SALURAN) initiative to provide high-speed internet.
- A dynamic tech startup ecosystem through Tabung Economy Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS) Digital Village and 22 innovation hubs, supported by government and industry, to accelerate growth, innovation, and job creation, aiming to become Sarawak’s Silicon Valley.
- Centre of Technology Excellence (CENTEX) and MBOT to provide technical training and certifications to develop skilled professionals for the global digital economy.
- The Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 enables AI to revolutionise healthcare and agriculture, optimising crop yields and resource management. Collaborations with semiconductor companies to position Sarawak as ASEAN’s leading semiconductor hub by 2030.
- Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) to focus on AI research, development, and commercialisation. SAIC will boost local talent, attract global experts, and position Sarawak as a leader in AI technology in Malaysia. Generative AI, in particular, will drive new and innovative applications across various sectors, enhancing Sarawak’s technological capabilities.
- Green Data Centres with the private sector to develop a 200MW Green Data Centre Park, setting the stage for sustainable digital infrastructure with advanced energy-efficient technologies.
- The Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) and its 50-kilometre hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) showcase a strong commitment to green energy.
- Green hydrogen and solar power to double clean electricity capacity to 10GW by 2030, positioning Sarawak as a Green Energy Powerhouse in ASEAN.
- Commercial production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from microalgae and exploring technologies like hybrid solar-wind and solar-hydro projects.
- Green methanol and ammonia production using renewable energy.
- Ensuring food security through ammonia production for urea fertiliser.
- Sarawak Methanol Complex, the first state-owned petrochemical project, with a production capacity of 1.75 million metric tonnes annually.
- Two small existing coal-fired power plants in Balingian in Mukah and Sejingkat in Kuching will be converted to biomass that could provide 500 MW of power in excess.
- Green Ports and producing green fuel for shipping, with plans to establish a regional hub for green fuel bunkering.
- Elevated roads on peat soil that minimise soil disruption and maintain carbon sequestration.
- Cultivation of Hybrid Paddy and AI-driven farming to optimise crop yields, with a target of rice self-sufficiency by 2027.
- Free tertiary education at state-owned universities for all eligible Anak Sarawak to pursue higher education by 2026.
- Investment in avionics and aircraft components.
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