(Kuching, 2nd) Sarawak Deputy Premier Dr. Sim Kui Hian stated that innovation driven by civil servants is not just about proposing new ideas or winning competitions, but is also a crucial foundation for building Sarawak.
He said that strengthening an innovative culture among the civil service will determine whether Sarawak can provide higher quality public services to the people, while also enhancing public confidence in the government.
"Innovation doesn't just mean creating new things. It also includes improving existing systems and continuously reflecting on how we can better serve the people."
"If an innovation cannot bring actual benefits to society, it will ultimately become nothing more than a trophy on display."
He made these remarks last night in his speech at the closing and award ceremony of the 2026 Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government (MPHLG) Innovation and Creativity Group (KIK) Convention.
Sim pointed out that Sarawak is currently undergoing a major transformation phase, covering public service digitalization, smart city development, organizational restructuring, and government-linked companies’ transformation plans by 2030.
He said the state’s development relies not only on policies but also requires the proactive participation of civil servants and local governments working together to build a more progressive Sarawak.
He emphasized that every innovative achievement should be shared and promoted among other government agencies to benefit more people, rather than remaining confined to written documents or exhibition displays.
"Our ultimate goal is, when people mention innovation, they immediately associate it with Sarawak and come to us to learn."
On the other hand, the Ministry's Permanent Secretary Datu Elizabeth Loh stated that this year’s Innovation and Creativity Group (KIK) Convention saw participation from 29 teams, an increase from last year, proving the department’s dedication to developing innovation as a continuous improvement work culture.
She pointed out that this year’s participating projects covered areas such as public infrastructure, law enforcement, field operations, digital licensing issuance, asset management, and public services, and have brought about notable improvements through high-impact innovations.
She said this fully demonstrates the concerted efforts of all units to provide a more efficient, responsive, and people-centric public service.
She also said that, for the first time this year, the convention invited participation from multiple agencies, including the Sarawak Transformation and Innovation Unit (STIU), Sarawak Civil Service Digitalization Unit (SCSDU), and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC).
She noted that this collaboration has already yielded results, among which the Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government together with the Sarawak Transformation and Innovation Unit successfully launched the "Ease of Doing Business (EODB)" pilot project in Sibu. In addition, Sarawak's local governments have participated in the International Convention on Quality Control Circles (ICQCC), winning international awards in countries such as South Korea, Japan, India, Indonesia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka, showcasing outstanding performance.
"Innovation doesn't just mean creating new things. It also includes improving existing systems and continuously reflecting on how we can better serve the people."
"If an innovation cannot bring actual benefits to society, it will ultimately become nothing more than a trophy on display."
He made these remarks last night in his speech at the closing and award ceremony of the 2026 Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government (MPHLG) Innovation and Creativity Group (KIK) Convention.
Sim pointed out that Sarawak is currently undergoing a major transformation phase, covering public service digitalization, smart city development, organizational restructuring, and government-linked companies’ transformation plans by 2030.
He said the state’s development relies not only on policies but also requires the proactive participation of civil servants and local governments working together to build a more progressive Sarawak.
He emphasized that every innovative achievement should be shared and promoted among other government agencies to benefit more people, rather than remaining confined to written documents or exhibition displays.
"Our ultimate goal is, when people mention innovation, they immediately associate it with Sarawak and come to us to learn."
On the other hand, the Ministry's Permanent Secretary Datu Elizabeth Loh stated that this year’s Innovation and Creativity Group (KIK) Convention saw participation from 29 teams, an increase from last year, proving the department’s dedication to developing innovation as a continuous improvement work culture.
She pointed out that this year’s participating projects covered areas such as public infrastructure, law enforcement, field operations, digital licensing issuance, asset management, and public services, and have brought about notable improvements through high-impact innovations.
She said this fully demonstrates the concerted efforts of all units to provide a more efficient, responsive, and people-centric public service.
She also said that, for the first time this year, the convention invited participation from multiple agencies, including the Sarawak Transformation and Innovation Unit (STIU), Sarawak Civil Service Digitalization Unit (SCSDU), and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC).
She noted that this collaboration has already yielded results, among which the Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government together with the Sarawak Transformation and Innovation Unit successfully launched the "Ease of Doing Business (EODB)" pilot project in Sibu. In addition, Sarawak's local governments have participated in the International Convention on Quality Control Circles (ICQCC), winning international awards in countries such as South Korea, Japan, India, Indonesia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka, showcasing outstanding performance.