Abang Johari speaking during the press conference. – Photo by Chimon Upon
HUMAN capital remains one of the biggest challenges faced by the state in the implementation of its many initiatives, says Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“The constraints are not that serious because the people have responded to our initiatives.
“And we have new courses for our youths tailored towards digital economy.
“That will allow Sarawak to have a pool of human resource,” he told reporters after his winding-up speech on the last day yesterday.
Abang Johari added that the state now has a clear roadmap to propel itself towards its target of becoming a high-income economy by 2030.
“Our economy is geared towards 2030 as we have been moving forward through policies that have been put in place by my predecessors – both Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and Pehin Sri Adenan Satem.”
Abang Johari pointed out that the state’s main focus now would be the digital economy, which he described as the ‘enabler’.
“The response from young people, who make up to 30 per cent of our population, is good.
“What they need is the infrastructure so they can make use of their talent for their own creativity because what’s important is high income,” he said, adding that the state must have good physical and cyber-connectivity to reach out to the outside market.
On top of this, the state must be able to have a sustainable economy in order to not only retain its ‘brains’, but also attract ‘brains’ from outside.
“(Deputy Chief Minister) Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan is bringing in investors to the state.
“When we have the means, not only can we offer jobs to our own people, but people from the outside will come in,” he said.
Meanwhile, the chief minister pointed out that young people must be given the opportunities and space to explore their talent through the ‘white economy’.
“In Western countries, young people can exchange ideas (with one another) as they meet up for coffee.
“At the same time, they can create new ideas.”