Abang Johari (second left) and Najib share a light moment with Awang Tengah (left) and Musa (right) prior to the opening ceremony of WIEF 2017 at BCCK. — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: The state government will do everything possible to transform Sarawak into a digital economy powerhouse.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg believes that digital economy would be a strong platform and also the catalyst for the state to reach out to the global business community, as well as to forge international collaborations.
“I have personally driven our efforts to leapfrog the state’s development through digital economy. I believe it will generate new jobs and opportunities for our entrepreneurs by creating greater efficiency in the way we do business,” he said in his special address at the 13th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF), where Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak declared open earlier at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday.
Abang Johari added that the enhancement in economy would accelerate the growth and wealth of the state as well as turn it into a developed and high-income state by 2030.
On this year’s forum themed ‘Disruptive Change: Impact and Challenges’, Abang Johari said the theme is very timely and well-aligned to the state’s aspiration in transforming its economy and at the same time, capitalising on digital technology.
“Disruptive changes in the form of technological advancements have transformed our lives, creating new opportunities and altering conventional industries.
“Sarawak is not spared from such disruptive change – we must equip ourselves with the necessary skills and knowledge to face the impacts and challenges brought about by disruptive changes,” he stressed.
On a positive note, Abang Johari said the opportunities brought about by such disruptive change had levelled the playing fields in the technology and economic sectors.
“The advent of new disruptive technologies also breaks the dominance of existing products and businesses, while providing room for new products to be successful.”
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and WIEF Foundation chairman Tun Musa Hitam witnessed the opening ceremony.