SIBU: Sarawak has reassured that it will balance development without jeopardising the environment in its commitment towards sustainability and a low-carbon economy.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the aspect of culture inherited in the state must be preserved as well.
“After the Covid-19 (pandemic), we designed our policies. Our policy gives emphasis on sustainability and the environment. It has to be balanced.
“While we want to achieve growth economically, at the same time we want to make sure that there is a balance between the environment and economic growth.
“Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth cannot be the only target for us to achieve economic growth, but it must be seen in the people’s quality of life under the policy that we developed,” he said during the 18th Biennial International Participatory Design Conference (PDC 2024) at University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) here, last night (Aug 12).
Abang Johari, who is also the Energy and Environmental Sustainability Minister, added that as the state continues to focus on Sarawak’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, participatory design and development play a crucial role in shaping processes through collaboration.
“Under the 17th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda emphasises integrated action on social, environmental and economic challenges, focusing on inclusive participatory development that leaves no one behind.
“To achieve this goal, we must empower every citizen with the tools and knowledge to participate in the digital age and this is through providing access to education, connectivity, and opportunities,” he said.
While technology is important, however artificial intelligence (AI) is artificial and lacks the human touch, he added.
“In other words, there must be a balance, a fusion between technology and human touch. This is something which is very complex and very difficult to achieve.
“Thus, I hope this conference will give us the guide on how to balance technology and human touch itself,” he said.
