KUCHING – The Sarawak Government has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning women as central architects of the state’s development rather than passive beneficiaries.
During recent engagements, the state leadership outlined a comprehensive strategy focused on education, leadership cultivation, and family welfare to prepare the population for emerging global challenges.
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg stated that achieving high-income economic status for Sarawak must result in tangible improvements to household earnings.
He argued that this financial upliftment is inextricably linked to the acquisition of advanced knowledge and new skill sets. Without these competencies, the broader economic goals of the state cannot be fully realised at the family level.
To facilitate this transition, the administration has implemented the Free Higher Education Scheme (FTES). This initiative provides eligible citizens with access to tuition-free studies at Sarawak-owned universities, irrespective of their racial, religious, or economic background.
The policy aims to democratise access to quality education, thereby enabling more individuals to enhance their living standards through academic and professional advancement.
The Premier emphasised the direct correlation between educational attainment and financial stability. “What we want to do is that family income must increase. To increase family income, it revolves around knowledge,” he said.
Recent trends indicate that women are increasingly dominating admissions to higher learning institutions. This shift demonstrates their significant potential to emerge as professionals, experts, and leaders across various sectors critical to the state’s growth. The government views this educational momentum as a vital resource for future development.
Reflecting this confidence, the state has actively appointed more women to lead strategic organisations. These roles include top positions in government-linked companies (GLCs), port authorities, and key development agencies.
Such appointments signal a deliberate effort to integrate female perspectives into high-level decision-making processes.
The Premier stressed that Sarawak’s progress requires women to participate not merely as skilled workers but as decisive leaders and strategic partners. Their involvement is deemed essential for driving both economic expansion and social cohesion.
By occupying these pivotal roles, women contribute directly to the formulation and execution of policies that shape the state’s future.
Furthermore, the leadership acknowledged the dual responsibilities many women face in balancing career ambitions with family duties.
In the current digital era, this balance is particularly complex, as parents must navigate technology to guide their children’s education and personal development effectively.
The ability to manage these competing demands is seen as foundational to building a progressive and stable society.
According to the Premier, achieving harmony between professional life and domestic responsibilities contributes significantly to sustainable state development.
A society where women are empowered to lead in both spheres is better equipped to handle the complexities of modern economic landscapes.
In his concluding remarks, the Premier called on Sarawakian women to maintain unity and continue strengthening their leadership capabilities. He urged them to pursue lifelong learning and self-empowerment as tools to achieve collective aspirations.
The ultimate goal remains to realise Sarawak’s vision of becoming a fully developed region by 2030, with women playing an indispensable role in this journey.
This approach underscores a holistic view of development, where economic metrics are supported by social inclusivity and educational equity.
As Sarawak moves closer to its 2030 targets, the empowerment of women through education and leadership opportunities remains a primary focus for the state administration.
