THE development of well-trained and knowledgeable human capital with a world-class education system is a priority for Sarawak in its mission to achieve a high-income developed state status by 2030, Premier Abang Johari Openg said.

He added that this was vital because Sarawak’s wealth of natural resources alone won’t guarantee complete success.

Abang Johari said Sarawak could learn from countries like Singapore and Japan, which became global economic powers due to their human resources despite not having any natural resources.

“As such, Sarawak will continue to strengthen the state’s education system in accordance with the provisions of clause 17 of the inter-governmental committee report, which gives the state the authority to determine its own education policy,” he said.

Abang Johari said the Sarawak government’s determination in producing world-class human capital could be seen from the proposed establishment of five international schools using the Cambridge syllabus.

“One of the schools has been operating in Kuching.

“In addition, Sarawak has four universities owned through the Sarawak Foundation: Swinburne University of Technology, Curtin University, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) and iCATS University College.

“Sarawak also has a Centexs training centre with branch campuses in several areas in the state,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari said that through the RM5.6 billion allocated to Sarawak under Budget 2023, priority will be given to efforts to improve facilities, such as roads, clinics and schools.

“Although the allocation is insufficient, we must use the amount channelled as best possible to provide comfort for the people.

“With the state’s income expected to continue increasing, the Sarawak government will also continue to build roads and complete the development of utilities like electricity and water supply in rural areas,” he said. – Bernama, April 21, 2023.