KUCHING: Sarawak must be bold in expanding its market to a larger scale, especially in Asia, which is home to half of the world's population, in an effort to grow the state's economy.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, stated that Sarawak is fortunate due to its proximity to Asian markets. Destinations in Southeast Asia and other parts of Asia are mostly within a five-hour flight.

"Almost half of the world's population is just five hours away by flight, and that is the market we need to penetrate.

"We need strong determination to tap into that market with half of the global population, and I believe we have the advantage," he explained.

He said this during the 10th Anniversary Dinner of the Sarawak Centre of Technical Excellence (CENTEXS) at a leading hotel here on Wednesday.

Additionally, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari mentioned that Sarawak now requires a younger workforce skilled in new global technologies.

Therefore, he hopes that CENTEXS will produce young Sarawakians with the expertise to penetrate these large markets.

"We only need highly skilled young individuals.

"I hope that CENTEXS, in the next 10 years, will produce young Sarawakians who are smart in the new global technological era," he added.

At the event, 14 awards were presented to recipients, handed out by Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari.

Guests and dignitaries were also treated to performances by Indonesian artist Hendri Rotinsulu, local singer Dayang Nurfaizah, and a special appearance by renowned actor Fattah Amin.

Also in attendance were Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Sarawak Minister of Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Sarawak Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Law, MA63, and Federal-State Relations), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Sarawak Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, CENTEXS Chairman, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani, CENTEXS CEO, Dato Syeed Mohd Hussein, former Tanjong Datu Assemblywoman Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews