Abang Johari tells his London audience of Sarawak's push towards digital economy

LONDON, September 5, 2017 - Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg  today gave a special address at the Commonwealth Diplomats Induction Programme that was held at the Malborough House in the British capital  upon the invitation of the  Commonwealth Secretariat.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari presenting a souvenir to Baroness Scotland during their meeting to Malborough House in London.

The secretariat’s invitation was also for the purpose of follow-up on the Commonwealth Leadership Academy collaboration of which Sarawak has a significant role to play.

Abang Johari spoke about Sarawak’s experience through the years to develop its economy, maintain racial and religious harmony, protect the environment, preserve and conserve wildlife, develop its renewable energy resources and develop its economy sustainably

He spoke a special emphasis on Sarawak’s current push towards transforming itself into a digital economy and pointed out that the digital revolution had become an unstoppable  force.

He said Sarawak had to move away from conventional economics and embrace the digital transformation or risked being left behind.

To a question from the audience during a Q & A time, the chief minister said that a government must match its policies with the aspiration of the younger generations.

In Sarawak, he added, where youth comprised about 60 percent of the population, the shift towards digital economy would give opportunities for the young who are Internet literate to be actively involved in the digitisation of the economy.

Earlier, upon arrival at  Malborough House  Abang Johari and his delegation met with the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland.

Among those accompanying the chief minister during the meeting were State Secretary Tan Sri  Mohamad Morshidi Ghani, Deputy State Secretary Datu Sabariah Putit and Emerging Leaders Dialogue Asia 2016 organising chairman Adrian Jerome.

They had about half-an-hour of discussion that touched on the efforts to create platforms for the enhancement of leadership roles among emerging leaders in the Commonwealth countries.

Abang  Johari lies home later today after leading a two-weeklong study visit to Europe.