KUCHING – Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has called for stronger research partnerships, improved scientific facilities and greater investment in local talent to strengthen the state’s position in science, technology and innovation.
He made the remarks during a courtesy visit by 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics recipient Professor Pierre Agostini and a delegation from the Institute of Physics of Malaysia at the Sarawak State Capitol on Tuesday (3 November).
The meeting was attended by the Governor’s wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajah Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, and Professor Tou Teck Yong, president of the Institute of Physics of Malaysia. Representatives from the Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) were also present.
The delegation included the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Datu Haji Adana Haji Jed, Deputy Permanent Secretary Caroline Cleophas Joseph and division head Dr Cheong Yaw Liang. Other attendees included members of the Governor’s family and administrative representatives.
Professor Agostini received the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics for his pioneering work in attosecond physics, a field that enables scientists to investigate electron movements within atoms and molecules over extremely short periods. His visit provided an opportunity to discuss scientific advancement, research development and the contribution of higher education institutions to building internationally competitive expertise.
During the discussions, Wan Junaidi highlighted the importance of scientific knowledge and technological capabilities in determining a country’s long-term development. He said economic strength alone was not sufficient, stressing that the ability to develop expertise, conduct research and produce technological innovations was equally important.
He identified Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education as a key area requiring continued attention. Encouraging young people to develop critical thinking, creativity, research skills and curiosity, he said, would help prepare Sarawak’s future workforce for increasingly technology-driven industries.
The Governor also expressed confidence in Sarawak’s potential to become a centre for scientific research and innovation. This ambition, he noted, was closely linked to the state’s economic transformation plans, which include high-technology industries, renewable energy and the development of a skilled workforce.
He encouraged stronger partnerships between local universities, international academic institutions and research organisations to facilitate knowledge exchange, joint research and the development of specialised expertise. Areas identified for potential collaboration included quantum technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced industries.
The discussions also addressed the challenge of retaining skilled professionals, particularly Sarawakians who have pursued careers in science and technology overseas. Wan Junaidi expressed the hope that more qualified Sarawakians working abroad could be encouraged to return and contribute to the state’s development.
He emphasised that attracting and retaining experienced professionals would require suitable career opportunities, modern research facilities, supportive working environments and competitive remuneration that reflects their qualifications and expertise.
Another issue raised was the need to establish clearer professional advancement opportunities for specialists. The Governor stressed that scientists, engineers, medical professionals, researchers and technology experts should be able to progress to senior positions within their respective fields without having to move into administrative roles to secure recognition or better career prospects.
He maintained that technical expertise, research achievements and innovation should receive recognition comparable to management and administrative accomplishments. Such career structures, he said, could help reduce the movement of skilled professionals overseas while ensuring Sarawak has sufficient expertise to support its future development.
Wan Junaidi further highlighted the importance of upgrading laboratories, scientific equipment and research and development (R&D) facilities to meet contemporary research requirements. Access to suitable infrastructure, he indicated, would be essential for local researchers to undertake more advanced scientific work and develop practical applications from their findings.
He also called for greater participation from private companies and local industries in supporting research activities. Potential contributions include research funding, equipment and facilities, talent sponsorship programmes and partnerships with universities and research centres.
Closer coordination between the government, academic institutions, researchers and industry players was identified as an important component of building a stronger science and technology ecosystem. Beyond producing academic findings, research activities should also create opportunities for technological innovation, skilled employment and wider economic benefits.
The Governor’s remarks placed particular emphasis on connecting education, research and industrial development, ensuring that investment in scientific knowledge contributes to practical outcomes for Sarawak.
Wan Junaidi concluded the meeting by thanking Professor Agostini, Professor Tou and the visiting delegation for their courtesy call. He expressed hope that the engagement would strengthen relationships between the international scientific community and Sarawak’s educational and research institutions.
He also hoped that the visit would encourage more opportunities for students, lecturers and young researchers in Sarawak to pursue scientific interests, develop specialised knowledge and contribute to advancements in science and technology at state and national levels.
The engagement comes amid the state’s broader focus on developing skilled human capital and expanding its capabilities in emerging technologies, with education, research infrastructure and international cooperation identified as important areas for long-term progress. — Sarawak Daily
