‘Stop competing, combine knowledge’: Premier’s message to S’wak universities

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By Amanda L

KUCHING, Oct 14: Sarawak’s universities should pool their expertise and share knowledge rather than compete with one another, as the State prepares for an economy increasingly driven by science and technology, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Speaking at the Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus Alumni and Partners Appreciation Dinner 2026 here on Tuesday (Oct 13), he said Sarawak needed qualified talent to support its next phase of economic development.

“We are entering a new era of economic development, and we need qualified and talented human resources to build our economy,” he said.

Abang Johari said the State’s education priorities must keep pace with technological advances, particularly through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), as well as fields such as artificial intelligence (AI).

He stressed the need to develop local talent capable of applying scientific knowledge and technology to create solutions and innovations that would support Sarawak’s long-term development.

Against this need, he said higher education institutions had an important role to play in preparing Sarawakians for emerging industries and strengthening the State’s technological capabilities.

Citing Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) and i-CATS University College, he said the State’s institutions should build on their respective expertise and combine their knowledge to support Sarawak’s development.

“They are not competing, they are combining knowledge,” he said.

Turning to Swinburne’s role in developing future talent, Abang Johari stressed the importance of maintaining a strong focus on science.

“That is where Swinburne is important. Must be focused on science,” he said. — DayakDaily

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