KUCHING – The Sarawak government has called upon students from public and private higher education institutions to actively participate in the state’s development initiatives, emphasizing their critical role in securing Sarawak’s economic and social future.
Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, Chief Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, underscored the importance of talent development during a briefing at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, urging youth to leverage state-sponsored educational opportunities.
Fazzrudin highlighted the state’s commitment to investing in human capital, citing the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 as a roadmap for economic transformation driven by innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.
He emphasized that emerging sectors like green energy and hydrogen require skilled local talent to thrive.
“Failing to plan is planning to fail. Just as the government has a long-term strategy for Sarawak through PCDS 2030, you too must have a strategy for your life,” he stated, encouraging students to proactively align their education with the state’s developmental priorities.
The briefing introduced students to various support schemes, including the Sarawak Education Fund, Laptop Loan Scheme, and Student Living Allowance, aimed at reducing financial barriers and fostering a conducive learning environment.
Fazzrudin also announced an allocation of RM40,000 to the Bunga Raya College Foodbank Collection at UNIMAS, reflecting the government’s focus on student welfare.
Sarawak’s Governor, Tun Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, previously emphasized that the state’s progress hinges on youth engagement, noting that Sarawak aims to achieve a RM282 billion GDP by 2030.
The state’s revenue has already seen a significant increase, rising from RM5.6 billion in 2017 to RM14.2 billion in 2024.
Academic institutions like Swinburne Sarawak and Curtin Malaysia have echoed the government’s sentiments, hosting outreach programs to equip students with skills relevant to Sarawak’s evolving economy.