SRI AMAN – Sarawak’s energy capacity and free tertiary education policy are among the factors attracting interest from Japanese investors exploring opportunities in the state’s high-tech industries, including smart data centre development.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said international investors were increasingly looking at Sarawak’s ability to support technology-driven industries, with access to energy and a skilled workforce forming part of the state’s investment appeal.
He said a Japanese investor had expressed interest in Sarawak after reviewing the state’s policies, particularly its energy capabilities and approach to providing free tertiary education for Sarawakians.
According to the Premier, the investor viewed the education policy as an important consideration because it could help develop a local workforce with the technical knowledge and skills required by advanced industries.
He said the discussion highlighted how education policy could have implications beyond individual and family benefits, potentially contributing to Sarawak’s ability to attract international investment.
Abang Zohari made the remarks when officiating at the Sarawakku Sayang (SKS) Programme for the Sri Aman Division at the Sri Aman Sports Complex on Saturday.
He said the state was working towards establishing an ecosystem that would enable Sarawakians to gain access to education and acquire the latest technological skills needed by emerging industries.
Among the sectors identified were semiconductors and data centres, which require specialised technical capabilities and a workforce equipped to support increasingly technology-dependent operations.
The Premier said Sarawak’s investment strategy involved developing local human capital alongside the infrastructure and energy resources needed to accommodate high-tech businesses.
He added that the availability of a suitably trained workforce would be an important consideration as the state sought to meet the employment and operational requirements of industries involving advanced technology.
On the education initiative, Abang Zohari said the Sarawak Government allocated RM200 million annually to fund free tertiary education for eligible Sarawakians.
The programme covers 64 study programmes, including science-based courses and other academic disciplines considered relevant to the state’s economic requirements.
He explained that the initiative was intended to widen access to higher education, allowing students from different economic and social backgrounds to pursue further studies.
The Premier said students who met the examination requirements would be able to secure places at university and continue their education, regardless of their family circumstances.
He cited children from fishing and farming households, as well as those from B40 families, as among the groups who could benefit from the initiative.
The policy forms part of the state’s wider effort to strengthen access to higher education while developing a pool of local talent that can contribute to Sarawak’s economic sectors.
As industries such as semiconductors and data centres become part of the state’s development priorities, the availability of graduates with relevant scientific, technical and professional qualifications will be an important consideration.
The remarks also placed education within the broader discussion of investment readiness, particularly as companies assess the resources, infrastructure and workforce available in potential investment destinations.
However, the Premier’s comments did not identify the Japanese investor, disclose the value of any proposed investment or confirm a specific project timeline for the development of smart data centres.
Also present at the programme were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, along with members of the Sarawak Cabinet.
Other attendees included Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, who is also the minister responsible for the SKS Programme in the Sri Aman Division, Sri Aman MP Dato Sri Doris Sophia Brodi and Sri Aman Division Resident Mahra Salleh.
The event brought together state leaders, government representatives and members of the community, with education, workforce development and investment opportunities forming part of the Premier’s address. — Sarawak Daily
