KUCHING – Sarawak is setting its sights on building a future economy driven by robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation by 2037, with the state leadership emphasising the importance of preparing the local workforce to adapt to these global technological shifts.
Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, highlighted that the transformation of the global economy is already underway, with advanced nations integrating robotics into everyday industries.
He noted that this change is no longer a distant concept but a reality, citing China as an example where robots are capable of performing complex tasks.
“At that time, humans will work with robots. Today in China, robots can do kung fu, meaning that robot skills are as good as humans, but robot operations depend on human data input. It means that it still depends on humans, but robots will work as friends to humans. We never heard the word ‘humanoid’ before; today ‘humanoid’ is a word that is often mentioned,” he said during his address at the Sarawak Level 2026 Workers’ Day Celebration held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
The Premier stressed that Sarawak must move away from traditional economic approaches and embrace new policies that align with technological advancements.
He explained that the younger generation of Sarawakians will be the driving force behind this transition, and their readiness to master new skills will determine the state’s competitiveness in the global economy.
He further outlined the government’s focus on renewable energy development, including hydroelectric power, solar energy, biomass, and gas turbines.
These sectors, he said, are gaining international attention and will play a crucial role in Sarawak’s economic transformation.
The expansion of renewable energy is expected to generate new employment opportunities in high-technology fields such as AI, automation, and drone operations.
The Premier’s remarks reflect a broader vision for Sarawak’s future, where innovation and sustainability are central to economic growth.
By investing in renewable energy and advanced technologies, the state aims to position itself as a regional leader in modern industries while ensuring that its workforce is equipped with the necessary expertise.
The event was attended by several key figures, including Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar bin Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Human Resources Malaysia Datuk Khairul Firdaus bin Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring Sarawak) Datuk Gerawat Gala, and Sarawak Federal Secretary Dato Ahmad Nadzri bin Mohd Hassan.
Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion, which not only celebrated workers but also served as a platform to outline Sarawak’s long-term economic direction.
The Premier’s call for readiness highlights the urgency of equipping the workforce with advanced skills to ensure Sarawak remains resilient and competitive in the decades ahead.
