Abang Johari: Sarawak must diversify its economy and keep up with technological advancements

Abang Johari (left) having a chat with Najib at the 13th World Islamic Economic Forum in Kuching.

KUCHING: Sarawak’s transformation towards a digital economy must keep abreast with the sheer pace of the disruptive change in technological advancements.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state must go all out in diversifying its economy, especially towards digitalisation, as opportunities brought about by the disruptive change has levelled the playing fields in the technology and economic sectors.

The advent of new disruptive technologies also breaks the dominance of existing products and businesses, while providing room for new products to be successful, he added.

“Disruptive change in the form of technological advancements has transformed our lives, creating new opportunities and altering conventional industries.

“Sarawak is not spared from this disruptive change and we must equip ourselves with necessary skills and knowledge to face the impacts and challenges brought about by disruptive change.

“I strongly believe that the Sarawak economy needs to be further diversified as well as transformed to achieve this vision.

“The digital economy will be a strong platform and catalyst for the state to reach out to the global business community as well as forge international collaboration,” said Abang Johari in his special address at the opening of the 13th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) here.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was present to deliver his keynote address to some 2,000 delegates at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.

Abang Johari said over the years, Sarawak has been able to position itself as one of the most attractive investment destinations in the Asean region.

The state is endowed with vast natural resources, agricultural land, fisheries and mineral in addition to modern and reliable infrastructure and utilities with efficient, business-friendly government.

Apart from having safe, clean and pleasant working and living conditions, he said the standard of living has improved significantly over the past two decades, where foreign investors can be assured of a high quality life.

“We also have young, productive, diligent and English-speaking trainable workforce.

“Sarawak’s labour force can provide educated, skilled, semi-skilled and young workers to meet the needs of a high-technology business environment,” he continued.

Abang Johari said the cooperation and support between the state and Federal Government, domestic and international corporation sectors, Sarawak can not only realise its full develop-ment potential but also play an important role as the key hubs for regional cooperation and economic integration in the region.

To further accelerate economic growth in Sarawak, the state has also set up its own development bank (Development Bank of Sarawak), petroleum company (Petroleum Sarawak or Petros) as well as the Sarawak Multimedia Authority.