22/07/2026 05:37 PM

Abang Johari Urges Sarawak Youth To Embrace Tech-driven Entrepreneurship

SIBU, July 22 (Bernama) -- Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has urged the younger generation to change the perception that government employment is the only career option and instead venture boldly into technology-driven entrepreneurship to power Sarawak's future economy.

He said the global economy was shifting towards renewable energy, the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI) and green technology, and Sarawakian youth should seize the opportunities available in these sectors.

"The old perception was that after finishing school, you worked for the government. But in the new economy, a country's progress depends on the strength of its economic system and the new opportunities it creates.

"I want Sarawakian youth to become entrepreneurs in the new economy. If Jack Ma, Bill Gates and Jensen Huang can build technology empires, I believe Sarawakian youth can do the same," he said during a town hall session held in conjunction with Sarawak Day 2026 at the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) here today.

He said Sarawak had an advantage in the green economy through its tropical rainforests as carbon sinks, as well as renewable energy resources such as hydropower, solar, biomass and low-carbon natural gas.

To support the agenda, the Sarawak government is providing free tertiary education for 64 strategic programmes, including computer science, cyber analytics, chemistry and aerospace.

Abang Johari also urged the younger generation to understand the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to safeguard Sarawak's rights based on the law and the Federal Constitution.

"The answer is simple, read the Malaysia Agreement. If you do not know the contents of MA63, how can you defend Sarawak's rights?" he said in response to a participant's question on the role of the younger generation in relation to Sarawak's rights under MA63.

He said the takeover of Bintulu Port demonstrated Sarawak's success in reclaiming its rights as provided under MA63 and the Federal Constitution, adding that several other matters were still being negotiated with the Federal Government.

In this regard, he proposed that Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and UTS strengthen MA63 studies to produce more legal experts in the field.

On sports, Abang Johari said the state government would continue to increase investment in sports facilities and athlete development, and was prepared to co-host major sporting events, including the SEA Games.

"We want to build the spirit of our young people through sports. If Cape Verde, with a population of about 500,000, can succeed (by holding Spain to a 0-0 draw in their World Cup Group H match), Sarawak, with nearly 2.8 million people, can do the same," he said.

-- BERNAMA



 

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