Ahmad Hata (third right) presents a memento to Sagah during the closing of TRACE 2026 at Unimas on Wednesday.
KOTA SAMARAHAN (June 10): Graduates will play a critical role in supporting Sarawak’s expanding digital economy, hydrogen, semiconductor and aerospace sectors as the state advances its economic transformation agenda.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state is developing strategic initiatives in these and other future industries that will require a highly skilled workforce.
“We are currently developing various strategic initiatives in the digital economy, green energy, hydrogen development, data centres, semiconductors, aerospace and other future technologies, all of which require a highly skilled workforce,” he said in his speech at the closing of the Talent Recruitment and Career Exhibition (TRACE) 2026 at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) on Wednesday.
His speech was read by State Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
Abang Johari said Sarawak is undergoing a significant transformation under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which aims to make the state a developed, high-income and sustainable region.
“Sarawak does not want to merely be a consumer of technology, but aspires to become a key player in an innovation- and technology-driven economy,” he said.
He said the state’s growth sectors, including high-value manufacturing, renewable energy, the digital economy, modern agriculture and innovation-based industries, are creating wider opportunities for young people entering the workforce.
“These developments are creating vast opportunities for the younger generation to explore more dynamic and competitive career prospects.
“In this context, university students and graduates have a particularly important role to play. You are not merely job seekers, but future leaders, innovators and key drivers of Sarawak’s development,” he said.
Abang Johari said the Sarawak government continues to prioritise human capital development through scholarships, institutional development, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, and strategic collaboration between higher learning institutions and industry players.
He added that rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), automation and green technology are reshaping the global employment landscape and increasing demand for skilled talent.
“Therefore, I urge students to continuously upgrade their skills, explore new fields and embrace a culture of lifelong learning so that they remain relevant to the needs of industry,” he added.
On TRACE 2026, he described the programme as an important platform that bridges the gap between higher education institutions and industry by enabling students to engage with employers, build professional networks and explore career opportunities.
“Use this platform to build your confidence, broaden your perspective and prepare yourself to enter an increasingly challenging and competitive job market,” he said.
Meanwhile, Unimas vice-chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit said TRACE 2026 serves as an important platform connecting students with industry, particularly as they navigate an era shaped by digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI).
He said this year’s theme, ‘AI Digital Talent for Future Ready Workforce’, reflects the growing importance of AI in reshaping employment and economic growth, adding that graduates must possess adaptability, critical thinking, creativity and strong digital literacy to remain competitive.
Ahmad Hata said strategic collaboration between universities and industry is essential to ensure academic programmes and talent development initiatives remain aligned with current workforce requirements.
“Use this platform to build your confidence, broaden your perspective and prepare yourself to enter an increasingly challenging and competitive job market,” he said.