KUCHING: The Sarawak Government is now focusing on the transition to a new economy based on technology, skills and productivity, in line with the aspirations of the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said that the focus is on strategic sectors such as renewable energy, the digital economy and adaptation to global climate change which has had a direct impact on the world's economic landscape.

"Like it or not, we need to find the right direction. That is why we need training and expertise, especially in terms of technical disciplines.

"Earlier, the Chairman of the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak, Zaidi Nasar, highlighted the importance of skills and upskilling.

"This is because, the economy today is no longer completely dependent on knowledge obtained from books in school," he said in his speech at the Sarawak-level Labour's Day Celebration at Hikmah Exchange, Sunday.

He stressed that in the era of modern technology including the use of artificial intelligence (AI), workers still play an important role, but with higher and more technical skills.

"However, the workers needed are smart workers. Smart workers, smart salaries – because their productivity is commensurate with their expertise," he said.

According to him, Sarawak does not want to be trapped in the trap of a high-cost economy with low productivity.

On the contrary, the use of technology will be the main tool in achieving efficiency and cost savings in all sectors.

"We do not want our economy to be high-cost, but low-productivity. High costs are okay, as long as they are efficient. This technology provides savings. High salaries are okay, as long as productivity is equivalent," he said.

This move clearly reflects the state government's commitment to bring Sarawak towards the status of a high-income state by 2030, with a focus on quality and highly skilled human capital in facing future economic challenges.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala, a line-up of Sarawak Deputy Ministers, Sarawak Attorney-General Dato Sri Saferi Ali, Sarawak Federal Secretary Dato Ahmad Nadzri Mohd Hassan, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Administration) Datu Buckland Bangik, heads of departments and other dignitaries. -UKASnews