MIRI: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg wants Sarawakians to rise above being mere ‘jaguh kampung’ (village champions) and aspire to become world champions in the rapidly evolving multi-global economic landscape.
He stressed the critical need for students to focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, noting that currently, only 30 per cent of students in Sarawak pursue these fields, a figure he considers alarmingly low.
Speaking at the launching ceremony of SJK (C) Chiaw Nan, in Taman Tunku, Abang Johari highlighted the vast resources in Sarawak that could be developed further through STEM education.
“It is important to master subjects like Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics to understand and develop technologies such as clean hydrogen energy,” he said.
Without a strong foundation in Chemistry, he said, understanding Mathematics becomes difficult, given their interconnectedness through algorithms, which are vital in technology development.
“We must train our children in these essential subjects to drive the development of our state,” the Premier asserted. “Sarawakians must compete on a global scale, not just within our villages. We want our children to be world champions in today’s multi-global era.”
Abang Johari also highlighted Sarawak’s unique position in education and community cohesion, which allows the state government to support the development of all types of schools, irrespective of race.
He noted an increasing trend of bumiputera students enrolling in Chinese schools, recognising the importance of Mandarin in the modern world.
“Mandarin is important. If people speak Mandarin and we don’t understand, we miss out. Now, many Malays are also learning Mandarin,” he said, stressing the importance of multilingual proficiency in boosting the economy.
“If we sell palm oil in China, we need to communicate effectively in Mandarin,” he added.
The premier’s call to action aims to equip Sarawakian students with the necessary skills to thrive in the global economy, leveraging the state’s natural resources and fostering an environment of inclusive education.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, State secretary Datuk Seri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Development Datuk Rosey Yunus, Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat and prominent entrepreneur Datuk Raziah Mahmud and the first non-Chinese chairman of a Chinese vernacular school management committee.
