KUCHING: The Sarawak Development Institute (SDI) is charting a new course to become the state government’s leading think tank, providing valuable insights to guide Sarawak’s ongoing transformation.
Its chairman Datuk Amar Jaul Samion said moving forward, the institute is strengthening its capabilities and capacity in key areas such as renewable energy, circular economy, environmental sustainability, and social and digital inclusivity.
“We will continue to provide platforms where ideas can flourish and be ready to address emerging challenges as Sarawak undergoes a major transformation.
“Through all these new initiatives and direction, SDI hopes to evolve to be a premier think tank for the state government and most importantly be of value to the government,” he said.
He said this during SDI’s 30th anniversary dinner themed ‘Celebrating 30 Years of Research Excellence: Towards Sarawak’s Era of Transformation’, officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at a local hotel here on Friday night.
Jaul further explained that SDI is now focused on three main areas which is conducting high-impact, solution-oriented research to assist agencies in policy implementation; carrying out programme outcome and impact assessment studies to assess development projects or programme effectiveness; and strategic communication to convey government policies more effectively.
“We are also utilising the new technology to simplify and share development information.
“As a start, we have completed visual dashboards based on the ‘PCDS 2030: Highlights 2023 Report’ to help the public understand the achievements and progress at a glance,” he said.
He added that since last year, SDI has begun a strategic transformation to strengthen the institution’s credibility by reviewing board membership to enhance professional diversity, restructuring internally, and refocusing its research agenda.
“With that, SDI’s new direction and focus areas are now aligned closely with Sarawak’s development goals under PCDS 2030,” he said.
On a related note, Jaul said the institute has successfully completed nearly 500 projects involving research studies, events, stakeholders engagements, bringing together local and international experts, stakeholders, policymakers and implementers, over the past 30 years.
“The outcomes of these studies and discussions are integrated into government policies and programmes that impact the lives of many Sarawakians.
“For a small, independent, and voluntary institution, these achievements are very commendable as they reflect strong collaboration and a high spirit of volunteerism in contributing expertise for Sarawak’s future,” he said.
Meanwhile, in line with its ongoing transformation, SDI has also expanded its Research and Communication Division to enhance its outreach and effectiveness.
Initiatives such as the SDI Emerging Scholars Grant (SESG), which will be opened for applications in 2026, provides RM2,000 and RM5,000 research grants to young scholars undertaking studies aligned with SDI’s focus areas namely Environmental Sustainability, Social Inclusivity, Economic Prosperity, Rural Transformation, and Public Policy and Governance.
“We will continue to provide platforms where ideas can flourish and be ready to address emerging challenges as Sarawak undergoes a major transformation.
“Through all these new initiatives and direction, SDI hopes to evolve to be a premier think tank for the state government and most importantly be of value to the government,” he said.
He said this during SDI’s 30th anniversary dinner themed ‘Celebrating 30 Years of Research Excellence: Towards Sarawak’s Era of Transformation’, officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at a local hotel here on Friday night.
Jaul further explained that SDI is now focused on three main areas which is conducting high-impact, solution-oriented research to assist agencies in policy implementation; carrying out programme outcome and impact assessment studies to assess development projects or programme effectiveness; and strategic communication to convey government policies more effectively.
“We are also utilising the new technology to simplify and share development information.
“As a start, we have completed visual dashboards based on the ‘PCDS 2030: Highlights 2023 Report’ to help the public understand the achievements and progress at a glance,” he said.
He added that since last year, SDI has begun a strategic transformation to strengthen the institution’s credibility by reviewing board membership to enhance professional diversity, restructuring internally, and refocusing its research agenda.
“With that, SDI’s new direction and focus areas are now aligned closely with Sarawak’s development goals under PCDS 2030,” he said.
On a related note, Jaul said the institute has successfully completed nearly 500 projects involving research studies, events, stakeholders engagements, bringing together local and international experts, stakeholders, policymakers and implementers, over the past 30 years.
“The outcomes of these studies and discussions are integrated into government policies and programmes that impact the lives of many Sarawakians.
“For a small, independent, and voluntary institution, these achievements are very commendable as they reflect strong collaboration and a high spirit of volunteerism in contributing expertise for Sarawak’s future,” he said.
Meanwhile, in line with its ongoing transformation, SDI has also expanded its Research and Communication Division to enhance its outreach and effectiveness.
Initiatives such as the SDI Emerging Scholars Grant (SESG), which will be opened for applications in 2026, provides RM2,000 and RM5,000 research grants to young scholars undertaking studies aligned with SDI’s focus areas namely Environmental Sustainability, Social Inclusivity, Economic Prosperity, Rural Transformation, and Public Policy and Governance.