Abang Johari: Artificial Intelligence, hydrogen and semiconductors main cores of Sarawak's future direction in building new economy

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.

Premier Abang Johari Openg: 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. 

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.

 

Sarawak's rights activist describes Umno Youth's call to cancel Rain Rave Water Music Festival as misguided and counterproductive

KUCHING, May 3 2026 : Sarawak's human rights activist Peter John Jaban came to the defence of holding the Rain Rave Water Music Festival  held in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, from April 30 to May 2, as part of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

Peter John Jaban says over the past three years, Malaysia’s tourism sector has achieved extraordinary growth under the stewardship of Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Tiong King Sing.  

He described a recent call by Umno Youth chief Akmal Saleh to cancel the festival as misguided and deeply counterproductive.

He said Malaysia’s tourism success must not be derailed by narrow-minded agenda.

“At a time when Malaysia must strengthen its tourism industry to drive economic recovery and national growth, such demands send the wrong signal to investors, visitors, and the global community.

"Tourism is one of the most powerful engines of Malaysia’s economy,” Peter John said in a statement, today.

He added such event attract domestic and international visitors, create jobs, generate revenue and stimulate local businesses from hotels and transport providers to food vendors and retailers.

“To undermine such initiatives for political posturing or narrow ideological reasons is to ignore the broader economic realities facing the country, “ he said.

Peter John said over the past three years, Malaysia’s tourism sector has achieved extraordinary growth under the stewardship of Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Tiong King Sing.

“The results are not merely positive they are historic,’ he said, adding that from 2023 to 2025, tourism contributed an estimated RM899.9 billion to Malaysia’s gross domestic products (GDP), demonstrating the sector’s role as a major driver of national economic growth.

He said annual contributions rose steadily from RM275.8 billion in 2023, to RM291.9 billion in 2024, and RM332.2 billion in 2025.

“Equally significant are tourism receipts, which directly impact local livelihoods,” he said, adding that across the same three-year period, Malaysia generated RM359.1 billion in tourism receipts benefiting hotels, transport providers, restaurants, small traders, and countless entrepreneurs nationwide.

“Tourist arrivals also reflected this upward momentum, increasing from 29 million in 2023, to 38 million in 2024, and reaching 42.2 million in 2025.

“This achievement strengthened Malaysia’s standing as one of the region’s most competitive and attractive destinations.

“These accomplishments were supported by strategic measures, including the securing of over 48 new air routes, while Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s recognition as the most connected airport in Asia Pacific and the world’s leading low-cost carrier hub further reinforced Malaysia’s accessibility to global travellers.

“Malaysia’s international profile has also risen substantially, with Kuala Lumpur earning recognition as one of the world’s trending destinations, George Town celebrated for its culinary excellence, and Ipoh highlighted among Asia’s must-visit cities.

“Malaysia’s return to the top position in the Global Muslim Travel Index in 2025 further underscores the country’s appeal to diverse travel markets,” Peter John said.

The Rain Rave Water Music Festival was also rolled out across 12 other locations nationwide, including Sabah and Sarawak, extending its reach beyond the capital as part of a coordinated tourism push for the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign, which aims to attract 43 million visitors.

 

Future Gawai Dayak celebrations should be held in locations, such as longhouses, to better reflect Dayak identity, proposes Dr Rundi

BINTULU, May 3 2026: A Sarawak minister has proposed that future Gawai Dayaks celebrations should be held in locations that better reflect the identity of the Dayak community, such as longhouses.

Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development  Dr Stephen Rundi Utom (picture) said this approach is vital to ensure the community's cultural heritage continues to be preserved.

He said organising events in more authentic locations can elevate traditional values, including cultural elements such as Kumang and Keling, as well as customs related to Gawai.

"In the future, I hope Gawai celebrations can be held in locations that better reflect the community's identity, such as longhouses or our own places, rather than as they are now.

"We need to think of the future so that our culture remains preserved, including heritage such as Kumang, Keling, and various customs and activities associated with Gawai," he yesterday.

He was speaking at the Pengerami Ngabang Gawai Begulai Enggau Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas, organised by the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Kakus Branch here.

Dr Rundie, who also Kemena State Legislative Member (SLM), added that the Gawai celebration is not merely a festival but serves as a platform for the community to assess their achievements throughout the year, where the community should evaluate the results of their efforts, whether they have gained profit or otherwise, and take steps toward improvement to ensure continuous proress.

"We cannot become complacent with current conditions; instead, we must constantly challenge ourselves to compete in various fields, including education, employment, and the economy.

"If others can succeed, we are also capable of achieving it through hard work and high spirits," he remarked.

Also in attendance were Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Law and Native Customs) Jefferson Jamit Unyat, Senator Michael Mujah Lihan, Selangau Member of Parliament Edwin Banta, Jepak Assemblyman Iskandar Turkee, Bintulu Division Resident Nyurak Keti, Tatau District Officer Calvin Ligong Bujang @ Endawie, and Sebauh District Officer Thadeus Ling Bartholomew Allu.