KUCHING – The pivotal contribution of women to the digital economic landscape, sustainable growth and overall state advancement has been highlighted as a cornerstone of Sarawak’s ambition to achieve high-income developed status by the end of this decade.
This strategic perspective was underscored during the recent Sarawak Women’s Day 2026 celebrations, where leadership emphasised that female participation is no longer merely beneficial but essential for the region’s future prosperity.
The event, held at a prominent hospitality venue in the state capital, served as a platform to discuss the evolving role of women in an economy that is rapidly transitioning from traditional models to one driven by knowledge, technology and digitalisation.
The theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Sarawak Women in Digital Economy’, was chosen to reflect this shift and to inspire continued innovation across various sectors.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg addressed the gathering, stating that the state government is dedicated to ensuring women are not passive recipients of development benefits.
Instead, they are being positioned as strategic partners and primary catalysts in the transformation agenda. He noted that the increasing number of women occupying critical roles in strategic sectors serves as tangible proof of their capabilities as leaders, technocrats and policy makers who are actively shaping Sarawak’s developmental trajectory.
Looking ahead to future fiscal planning, the Premier announced that the state would carefully evaluate several proposals related to women’s empowerment submitted by the Ministry of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing (KPWK).
These applications are being considered for inclusion in the Sarawak Budget 2027. He assured attendees that each proposal would undergo thorough examination, aligned with the state’s financial capacity, to guarantee that implementation effectively supports women’s development goals.
Among the key initiatives proposed are the creation of a Women Entrepreneurship Dashboard (WED), enhanced leadership training programmes and increased grants to bolster the operations of women’s organisations throughout the state. These measures aim to provide structural support and resources that enable women to thrive in the digital economy.
In recognition of outstanding contributions, the ceremony featured the presentation of the Sarawak Premier Awards to six individuals and one non-governmental organisation. The recipients were honoured for their impactful work in leadership, community development, entrepreneurship, welfare and digital transformation.
The Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society received the Outstanding NGO award. Individual honourees included Jezzebelle Buyau for Young Women Leader, Ivy Pan for Women Social Activist, Dr Sharifah Suzana Wan Shukran for Women Entrepreneurs, Sim Ko Sin for Sarawak Women in Digital Economy, Dato’ Fenny Nuli for Women Leaders, and Toh Puan Datin Patinggi Hayati Ahmat, who was presented with the Datuk Patinggi Laila Taib Award.
Further reinforcing the commitment to academic and leadership development, the event saw the handover of the appointment letter for the Datuk Amar Juma’ani Chair. This chair, established through a collaboration between the KPWK and Swinburne University of Sarawak, will facilitate detailed research into issues surrounding women’s leadership.
Additionally, three recipients were awarded Master of Arts in Leadership Development scholarships, sponsored by the Sarawak Foundation. This initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen human capital and cultivate a new generation of quality leaders within the state.
The ceremony was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, and Minister of KPWK Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.
The Premier’s daughter, Dayang Norjihan, was also present among the guests, reflecting the broad societal support for these empowerment initiatives.
As Sarawak continues its journey towards becoming a high-income developed state by 2030, the integration of women into the digital economy remains a critical component of its strategy.
By providing targeted support, recognising achievement and fostering leadership skills, the state aims to ensure that women are at the forefront of this transformative period, driving progress and sustainability for all communities.
