Abang Johari (third right), Juma’ani (third right), Prof Ajay (fourth left) and other guests of honour seen cutting a cake on stage during the ceremony. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: The retention of homegrown talents and graduates is of paramount importance to the state’s development.
Speaking during Swinburne University’s (Swinburne) 25th anniversary celebration at a local hotel yesterday, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said graduates are an important factor in the state’s journey towards digital economy and the spin-offs that will arise.
He commented that it makes little sense to train Sarawakians only to see them leave for another place and contribute to development elsewhere.
“There is only so much the government could do about this as it boils down to the forces of demand and supply.
“Nevertheless, I call on local businesses and industries to help retain our local graduates in a manner that benefits both employers and employees,” he added.
In this regard, the Chief Minister hoped that institutions of higher learning would not be ‘closed entities’ but instead be open and work with businesses, industries, the community and other stakeholders to enable the government to develop other sectors such as agriculture.
“As part of the plan to transform Sarawak, we are looking also to modernise our agriculture, particularly in the oil palm industry.
“It is a leading agro-based industry and has contributed more than RM2 billion in direct sales tax to the state government since 2010,” he said.
He was pleased to note that institutions of higher learning like Swinburne are taking up the challenge to produce graduates with expertise and knowledge as highly specialised human capital.
Also present during the event were Abang Johari’s wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong, State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani and Swinburne’s acting deputy vice-chancellor and chief executive officer Prof Ajay Kapoor.