Abang Johari Urges SABERKAS to Develop World-Class Experts for Sarawak’s Digital Future

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2026 — Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has urged the Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (SABERKAS) to play a greater role in developing world-class experts in digital technology and emerging industries as the state seeks to strengthen its position in the global economy.

Speaking at the 18th SABERKAS Triennial General Assembly in Sibu, Abang Johari said the youth organisation should create more opportunities for talented members through development programmes focused particularly on technology and industries of the future.

He pointed to SABERKAS’ previous approach under the leadership of the late Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, when young Sarawakians were sent for industrial training, including exposure to high-technology industries in Silicon Valley in the United States.

Abang Johari said similar efforts could help prepare a new generation of Sarawakians capable of developing innovative products and competing internationally.

The Premier stressed that Sarawak needs more local specialists as its economy transitions towards emerging and high-value sectors.

Among the priority areas identified are digital technology, clean energy, semiconductors, food security and data analytics.

Developing expertise in these sectors is increasingly important as Sarawak seeks to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on traditional industries.

A highly skilled workforce could also enable the state to capture more opportunities arising from digitalisation, renewable energy development and advanced manufacturing.

Abang Johari said Sarawak’s relatively small population means the state cannot depend solely on its domestic market to sustain future economic expansion.

Instead, Sarawak must look beyond its borders and explore opportunities in regional markets as well as East Asia.

This outward-looking approach requires local businesses, entrepreneurs and professionals to develop products, technologies and expertise that can compete at an international level.

Building a globally competitive talent pool is therefore expected to become increasingly important to Sarawak’s long-term economic strategy.

Education is another central component of the state’s transformation.

Abang Johari highlighted Sarawak’s free higher education initiative at state-owned institutions as one of the measures designed to develop a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting the state’s future economy.

Greater access to higher education could help more young Sarawakians obtain specialised skills required in areas such as engineering, digital technology, energy, data science and other emerging industries.

The strategy also seeks to ensure that Sarawak develops its own expertise rather than depending heavily on external specialists as new industries expand.

Abang Johari said local expertise would be particularly important in maximising Sarawak’s diverse energy resources.

The state has significant potential across hydroelectric power, natural gas, solar energy and biomass, creating opportunities for further development in the clean and renewable energy sectors.

At the same time, technological innovation could play an important role in transforming Sarawak’s agricultural sector.

The adoption of modern technologies, automation, digital systems and data-driven approaches could improve agricultural productivity while supporting the state’s food security ambitions.

SABERKAS, as a youth organisation, could therefore serve as an important platform for identifying and nurturing young talent capable of contributing to these emerging sectors.

By providing training, exposure and development opportunities, the organisation could help connect young Sarawakians with industries that are expected to shape the state’s economy over the coming decades.

The Premier’s call also reflects Sarawak’s broader ambition to build an economy driven by knowledge, innovation and advanced technology.

Rather than relying only on natural resources, the state is increasingly seeking to develop human capital capable of transforming those resources into higher-value products and services.

For young Sarawakians, the economic transition could create new opportunities in technology, semiconductors, clean energy, advanced agriculture and data-driven industries.

However, achieving those ambitions will depend heavily on education, specialised training, industry exposure and the ability to develop talent that meets international standards.

Abang Johari’s message to SABERKAS places youth development at the centre of that transformation, with the organisation encouraged to help produce a generation of experts capable of taking Sarawak’s innovations and expertise beyond the domestic market.

As Sarawak continues its transition towards a more technology-oriented economy, building world-class local expertise is expected to remain one of the key foundations for strengthening competitiveness and establishing the state as a significant economic player in the region.