KUCHING: Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stressed the critical role of engineering in fulfilling Sarawak’s developmental goals.
The Premier said Sarawak’s vision encompasses not only economic prosperity but also a state where technology and engineering act as pillars for enhancing the quality of life of its people.
Engineering, he said, contributes significantly to the societal framework, driving both direct and indirect benefits towards realising Sarawak’s aspirations.
“The insights and innovations generated from this conference will fuel the development of vital infrastructure, from roads and bridges to digital networks, that are the backbone of our economy and daily life.
“They will lead to advancements in renewable energy, in line with our commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Indirectly, the exchange of ideas and knowledge here fosters a culture of intellectual curiosity and continuous learning among our professionals.
“This intellectual capital is invaluable as it propels our workforce, especially our youth, towards being competitive and versatile in a rapidly evolving global landscape,” he said when officiating at the 15th International UNIMAS Engineering Conference (EnCon 2024) at the Waterfront Hotel here today.
His text of speech was delivered by Deputy Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Aidel Lariwoo.
Aidel, echoing similar sentiments, praised Abang Johari’s leadership, acknowledging the implementation of numerous projects under his guidance.
He was optimistic that the ongoing development projects would largely be completed by the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and urged all stakeholders to collaborate effectively.
“With so many big projects underway, I hope engineers, companies, and other stakeholders can work together effectively to contribute to Sarawak’s development.
“By the 13th Malaysia Plan, I anticipate that at least half of these projects will be completed. Additionally, it’s crucial to prioritise human capital development and digitalisation efforts, aligning with the goals of Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030,” he said.
Meanwhile, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International) Prof Dr. Ahmad Hata Rasit, highlighted the conference’s theme, ‘Cutting-edge Research in Engineering, Built Environment, and Technology’, as a relevant subject requiring commitment from all stakeholders.
In line with Sarawak’s PCDS 2030 vision, he assured that the university is dedicated to spearheading research and development in these domains.
He asserted that the pursuit of cutting-edge research in engineering, built environment, and technology requires collaborative effort, necessitating support from the government, professional bodies, and societal contributions.
“UNIMAS proudly supports this vision with our ExCiTE values, striving to be a key contributor to Sarawak’s aspiration of becoming a data-driven and innovative society where economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability are a reality for all.
“As a university deeply rooted in community values, UNIMAS fosters a thriving environment through collaborations with various industries, agencies, and academic institutions.
“Our culture of cooperation is the cornerstone of groundbreaking discoveries that impact our world, health, and intellectual landscape,” he said in his text of speech delivered by UNIMAS Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Dr Siti Noor Linda Taib.
