KUCHING – The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, has called on Dayak youth to embrace the digital economy and new technology sectors, describing them as the engines of future growth.
Speaking at the Triennial General Assembly Dinner of the Sarawak National Dayak Union (SDNU), the Premier emphasised that modern economic progress is increasingly shaped by advanced fields such as semiconductors, automation, drones and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
He drew a striking comparison, noting that “today’s warriors no longer depend on weapons. They use chips, semiconductors and drones.
This is the new battlefield that we must master.” His remarks underline the state’s Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which identifies digital innovation as one of its four key economic pillars.
The Premier stressed that technological adoption must be matched with intellectual strength. He urged Sarawak’s younger generation to sharpen their analytical and critical thinking skills, describing AI as “a tool that helps speed up processes and provides access to information,” but cautioning that human wisdom ultimately determines outcomes.
To support this vision, the state government continues to invest heavily in education and infrastructure. Scholarships, free education schemes and technical training facilities are among the initiatives designed to prepare Sarawak’s youth for the demands of the digital economy.
The Premier highlighted that this inclusive approach ensures both rural and urban communities benefit from the state’s transformation.
At the same event, he reiterated that without wisdom, technology cannot deliver its full potential. His closing remarks reflected Sarawak’s balanced strategy of combining innovation with human capital development to achieve sustainable prosperity by 2030.
The Premier also addressed Sarawak’s leadership in clean energy, linking the state’s digital economy initiatives to environmental stewardship.
He explained that early adoption of digital analysis helped identify sustainable resource management strategies, leading to the development of hydrogen energy.
“Today, we are at the leading edge of generating hydrogen from our water resources, and Sarawak stands shoulder to shoulder with other developed countries.
We have even been recognised by the Japanese Government as a global frontrunner in new energy,” he said during the Welcoming Dinner for the SDNU Triennial General Meeting.
He noted that Sarawak’s takeover of the Bakun Dam from the Federal Government granted the state full control over its energy management.
This milestone has enabled Sarawak to contribute directly to ASEAN Grid planning, reinforcing its role as a regional leader in clean energy.
The Premier expressed confidence that Sarawak will not only excel nationally but also establish itself as a major player within ASEAN.
He assured that the benefits of these initiatives will be shared across communities, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
The event was attended by prominent figures including Tan Sri Dato Sri William Mawan Ikom, SDNU Deputy President Ir Cristopher Gira Sambang, SDNU Senior Vice-President Datuk Stephan Mundaw, and Dato Alice Jawan, Chairperson of Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS).
Through strategic investment in both technology and sustainability, Sarawak positions itself to achieve global competitiveness, with its youth and diverse communities at the forefront of this transformative journey.
