SEBUYAU: Education, digital innovation and renewable energy are key to transforming Sarawak into a high-income state.
Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said education remains the most powerful driver of national development, shaping talents and producing innovations that benefit society.
Citing South Africa’s former president Nelson Mandela, he said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” With the right and strategic education, students can generate ideas that bring real impact to the community and country.
“These ideas, when translated into innovations, can create meaningful change,” he said at the launch of Project of Dreams Realised (Pro-DR) Roadshow at Dewan Pembangunan Sebuyau here today (Aug 18).
Julaihi, who is also the Sebuyau assemblyman, said that countries such as China succeeded because of their strong investment in progressive education systems focusing on STEM and digital learning.
He said Sarawak is moving in the same direction by preparing its younger generation with digital and STEM skills through initiatives spearheaded by Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS) and the state government.
On renewable energy, Julaihi said Sarawak is targeting 10,000 megawatts of power generation capacity by 2030, with 60 per cent coming from solar.
“The state has developed a 50-megawatt floating solar power plant at Batang Ai Dam, which will begin operations this December. The facility only uses three per cent of the dam’s surface and has the potential to be expanded to Murum and Bakun,” he said.
He added that these efforts will not only attract foreign investors but also create employment opportunities for local youths.
“We do not want these opportunities to be taken up by foreign workers if our youths are not skilled enough.
“That is why programmes such as the PRO-DR Roadshow are crucial in equipping our young people to compete and contribute to Sarawak’s progress through digitalisation and innovation,” he said.
Julaihi also urged continuous support for TEGAS in nurturing talent to meet the Premier’s call for Sarawak to become a regional hub for green energy and digital entrepreneurship.
The PRO-DR Roadshow, jointly organised by TEGAS and the Sarawak Education Department, serves as a platform to raise awareness among students and communities on opportunities in STEM, digital innovation and entrepreneurship.
Citing South Africa’s former president Nelson Mandela, he said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” With the right and strategic education, students can generate ideas that bring real impact to the community and country.
“These ideas, when translated into innovations, can create meaningful change,” he said at the launch of Project of Dreams Realised (Pro-DR) Roadshow at Dewan Pembangunan Sebuyau here today (Aug 18).
Julaihi, who is also the Sebuyau assemblyman, said that countries such as China succeeded because of their strong investment in progressive education systems focusing on STEM and digital learning.
He said Sarawak is moving in the same direction by preparing its younger generation with digital and STEM skills through initiatives spearheaded by Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS) and the state government.
On renewable energy, Julaihi said Sarawak is targeting 10,000 megawatts of power generation capacity by 2030, with 60 per cent coming from solar.
“The state has developed a 50-megawatt floating solar power plant at Batang Ai Dam, which will begin operations this December. The facility only uses three per cent of the dam’s surface and has the potential to be expanded to Murum and Bakun,” he said.
He added that these efforts will not only attract foreign investors but also create employment opportunities for local youths.
“We do not want these opportunities to be taken up by foreign workers if our youths are not skilled enough.
“That is why programmes such as the PRO-DR Roadshow are crucial in equipping our young people to compete and contribute to Sarawak’s progress through digitalisation and innovation,” he said.
Julaihi also urged continuous support for TEGAS in nurturing talent to meet the Premier’s call for Sarawak to become a regional hub for green energy and digital entrepreneurship.
The PRO-DR Roadshow, jointly organised by TEGAS and the Sarawak Education Department, serves as a platform to raise awareness among students and communities on opportunities in STEM, digital innovation and entrepreneurship.