(Miri, 29th) Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari pointed out that China’s Fudan University plans to set up a branch campus in Miri, which will bring new opportunities for the development of higher education and scientific research in Sarawak.
He also expressed his gratitude to Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education for approving the plan, providing crucial support for the project’s advancement, and emphasized that education remains the key driver for social and regional development.
Speaking at the 60th anniversary banquet of Long Lama National Secondary School last night, he said that if the university is established in Miri, it will promote East-West medical research collaboration and utilize Sarawak’s rich biodiversity resources to carry out research into natural medicines and genetic medicine, seeking new treatments for diseases such as cancer, while also requiring more talent in science and research to join these related fields.
He said that future development must rely on knowledge and technology, especially new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), and therefore, talent development must start from the school level. He encouraged students to study hard and master new technologies to cope with the future transformation of the economic structure.
He noted that although the celebration coincided with the Hari Raya Puasa period, he still insisted on attending the event of historical significance because Long Lama School has cultivated a large amount of talent over the past 60 years and made important contributions to national and community development.
He stated that the 60th anniversary is not only a milestone but also symbolizes the efforts and achievements of the school over the past six decades. From the early days of having only simple facilities, Long Lama Secondary School has developed into a representative educational institution in the interior area, successfully nurturing many talents from rural areas, which proves that as long as opportunities and educational support are provided, students from remote areas can also achieve success.
Abang Johari stated that the Sarawak government is committed to ensuring quality education benefits all Sarawakians, including students in remote areas, and by strengthening digital facilities and technological applications, ensures that rural students are not left behind. In an era of rapid development of the digital economy and technology, education is no longer an option, but a necessary condition for development.
Regarding infrastructure, he revealed that the government is planning a 142-kilometer road connecting Marudi, Long Terawan, Long Lama, Long Panai, and Limbang, forming a complete transportation loop. Once completed, the road will greatly shorten the distance between Long Lama and surrounding areas and facilitate regional economic integration and development. He described road construction as the “catalyst” for economic development, able to drive local resource development and industrial growth.
He also pointed out that Sarawak is actively promoting the development of artificial intelligence, green energy, and renewable energy, including solar, hydrogen, and hydropower, to ensure energy security and push for sustainable development. At the same time, the Sarawak government also plans to develop the aerospace sector, including the construction of satellite and data centers, to promote the technology economy.
At the same time, he announced at the event an allocation to support school and educational development, including RM60,000 for Long Lama Secondary School, RM45,000 for the Alumni Association, and RM45,000 for the Parent-Teacher Association, totaling RM150,000, to assist school and community development.
At the same time, he announced at the event an allocation to support school and educational development, including RM60,000 for Long Lama Secondary School, RM45,000 for the Alumni Association, and RM45,000 for the Parent-Teacher Association, totaling RM150,000, to assist school and community development.
He encouraged students to study hard, bravely pursue their dreams, and hoped that Long Lama Secondary School will continue to nurture more outstanding talents in the future, driving Sarawak towards advancement and prosperity.
