MANCHESTER, May 4 2026: Artificial intelligence (AI), hydrogen and semiconductors are among the main cores of Sarawak's future direction in building a new economy that is more sustainable, competitive and in line with global technological changes.
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Premier Abang Johari Openg said that the direction was formulated after the state faced major challenges including changes in the national political landscape as well as the Covid-19 crisis which affected the economy.
He said the situation prompted the Sarawak leadership to formulate the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 as the basis for the state's long-term development.
"After Covid-19, our economy was affected. So we must rise again and determine a new direction. We are gathering leaders, the corporate sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to discuss what needs to be done," he said.
He said this during the Sarawak Agenda Town Hall session 'Sarawak Towards The Future' in conjunction with Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2026, UK Edition on Sunday local time here.
The session was moderated by the Chief Political Secretary to the Premier Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.
Commenting on the direction of the economy, Abang Johari stressed that Sarawak no longer intends to depend on the old economy, but instead explore a new economy based on technology and sustainable resources.
“We don’t want to remain in the old economy. We need to move towards a new economy such as green energy, AI and new technology,” he explained.
In the context of energy, he explained that Sarawak has chosen hydrogen as one of the future energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
“I have chosen hydrogen as a new fuel to power our economy. Currently, the cost is still high, but like other technologies, the cost will decrease as usage increases,” he said.
He also added that Sarawak has advantages in energy resources including hydro, solar, biomass and gas that can be utilised sustainably.
In the field of semiconductors, the Sarawak Premier stressed the importance of chip development as the foundation for future technology.
“Today, almost all systems depend on chips. The future will be driven by semiconductors and artificial intelligence,” he said.
Commenting on the development of global technology, he said the younger generation must be prepared to face rapid changes in the field of AI and automation.
“Your generation will face a different world as AI is developing very quickly. In the future, you will work with technology and even robots,” he said.
In this regard, he stressed that talent development is a government priority to ensure that Sarawakians are able to master strategic fields.
“We need to develop talent and knowledge. That is why we are emphasising education, including free higher education in certain fields,” he explained.
At the same time, he said that Sarawak’s economy must be strengthened to align with the fields of study of the younger generation to encourage them to return to serve the state.
“If our economy is on par with the knowledge learned, they will return. If not, they will continue to stay abroad,” he said.
The Sarawak premier also stressed that the state’s financial strength enables Sarawak to implement various development projects including rural infrastructure, education and health.
“We need to be financially strong. When we have revenue, only then can we develop the state and help the people,” he said.
He added that the development of infrastructure such as bridges and roads has had a major impact on the lives of rural residents, including increasing market access and income.
“We build bridges not just for convenience, but to improve the people’s economy. When there is access to the market, their income will increase,” he explained.
Commenting on the direction of the economy, Abang Johari stressed that Sarawak no longer intends to depend on the old economy, but instead explore a new economy based on technology and sustainable resources.
“We don’t want to remain in the old economy. We need to move towards a new economy such as green energy, AI and new technology,” he explained.
In the context of energy, he explained that Sarawak has chosen hydrogen as one of the future energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
“I have chosen hydrogen as a new fuel to power our economy. Currently, the cost is still high, but like other technologies, the cost will decrease as usage increases,” he said.
He also added that Sarawak has advantages in energy resources including hydro, solar, biomass and gas that can be utilised sustainably.
In the field of semiconductors, the Sarawak Premier stressed the importance of chip development as the foundation for future technology.
“Today, almost all systems depend on chips. The future will be driven by semiconductors and artificial intelligence,” he said.
Commenting on the development of global technology, he said the younger generation must be prepared to face rapid changes in the field of AI and automation.
“Your generation will face a different world as AI is developing very quickly. In the future, you will work with technology and even robots,” he said.
In this regard, he stressed that talent development is a government priority to ensure that Sarawakians are able to master strategic fields.
“We need to develop talent and knowledge. That is why we are emphasising education, including free higher education in certain fields,” he explained.
At the same time, he said that Sarawak’s economy must be strengthened to align with the fields of study of the younger generation to encourage them to return to serve the state.
“If our economy is on par with the knowledge learned, they will return. If not, they will continue to stay abroad,” he said.
The Sarawak premier also stressed that the state’s financial strength enables Sarawak to implement various development projects including rural infrastructure, education and health.
“We need to be financially strong. When we have revenue, only then can we develop the state and help the people,” he said.
He added that the development of infrastructure such as bridges and roads has had a major impact on the lives of rural residents, including increasing market access and income.
“We build bridges not just for convenience, but to improve the people’s economy. When there is access to the market, their income will increase,” he explained.
Commenting on the future, he stressed that Sarawak must continue to move in line with global economic changes so as not to be left behind.
“We cannot remain static. We must move in line with the changing world and seek new opportunities for the future,” he said.
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