KOTA SAMARAHAN – Graduates of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) have been urged to strengthen Malaysia’s technological capabilities, develop local expertise and contribute to the state’s transition towards an innovation-driven economy.
The call was made by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak and UNIMAS Chancellor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, during his address at the university’s 30th Convocation Ceremony in Kuching on 2 November 2026.
He stressed that Malaysia must develop its own technological expertise and innovative capabilities rather than remain dependent on technologies developed and controlled by foreign countries.
Addressing the graduates, he highlighted the importance of cultivating a generation equipped with knowledge, advanced skills and creativity to support emerging industries, stimulate new economic opportunities and strengthen the country’s technological sovereignty.
He also emphasised that foreign investments in strategic sectors, including data centres, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure, should deliver broader benefits to the local economy.
According to the address, investment activities must be accompanied by meaningful technology transfers and the development of domestic talent. This would help ensure that Malaysia develops the expertise needed to manage, operate and advance its own technological infrastructure instead of becoming solely a consumer of foreign-owned technology.
Tun Wan Junaidi identified several strategic areas requiring greater attention, including AI, cybersecurity, semiconductor technology, data science and sovereign cloud computing.
He noted that proficiency in these fields would be increasingly important in protecting national data, maintaining economic competitiveness and safeguarding the country’s digital independence.
On Sarawak’s development direction, he pointed to the state government’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), introduced under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The strategy represents an important direction towards building an economy supported by technology, innovation and renewable energy. Its implementation also highlights the need for a workforce equipped with relevant technical knowledge and skills to meet the changing demands of industry.
In this regard, young people were encouraged to make informed decisions about their education and professional development by considering the future needs of the employment market.
Science, engineering, digital technology and green energy were highlighted as important areas of study that could provide opportunities for graduates to contribute to Sarawak’s economic transformation.
The Chancellor also called on UNIMAS to deepen its partnerships with government agencies and industry players while expanding research activities with practical and meaningful outcomes.
He said the university should continue producing innovations that address development challenges and improve the quality of life of communities throughout Sarawak.
Beyond technical qualifications and professional competencies, Tun Wan Junaidi reminded graduates that academic achievement must be supported by integrity, good character, critical thinking and a commitment to continuous learning.
He emphasised that success should not be judged solely by academic certificates, professional positions or financial earnings. Instead, graduates should measure their achievements through their ability to apply their knowledge and expertise to create positive changes in society.
He further encouraged them not to settle for inheriting the progress made by previous generations, but to develop their own capabilities and contribute to building a stronger future.
To reinforce his message about character and humility, he quoted a passage from Rudyard Kipling’s poem If- : “If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch.”
The passage was used to illustrate the importance of maintaining personal integrity and humility regardless of social standing or position. Graduates were encouraged to engage confidently with people from all walks of life without compromising their principles or losing their connection with ordinary communities.
He also urged them to become a generation that creates opportunities, builds its own strengths and leaves a meaningful legacy for those who will follow.
At the conclusion of his address, Tun Wan Junaidi congratulated the graduates on completing their academic journeys and acknowledged the contributions of parents, educators and the wider UNIMAS community.
He recognised their collective role in nurturing knowledgeable individuals who would help shape the future development of Sarawak and Malaysia.
Tun Wan Junaidi and his wife, Yang Amat Berbahagia Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajah Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, also extended prayers for the graduates, asking Allah SWT to bless their future journeys with success, wisdom and the strength to overcome challenges.
He expressed hope that the knowledge and experience gained at university would be used meaningfully in serving their parents, society, Sarawak and the nation.
He reminded graduates to remain committed to integrity, humility and good character as they move into the next stages of their lives, emphasising that their education should ultimately translate into meaningful contributions to the wider community. — Sarawak Daily
