KUCHING: The state government's inclusive socio-economic development has significantly reduced poverty from 32 per cent in 1985 to 10 per cent in 2022, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg today.
He said the state government has implemented extensive social safety nets to uplift the underprivileged, including welfare assistance, housing, health services, and education.
"We have seen a substantial rise in household income, from RM1,800 in 1995 to RM6,400 in 2022," he said in his speech at the launch of the Sarawak Career and Training Fair (SCaT) here.
His speech was read out by Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
Abang Johari said the rise in household income is due to the proactive economic policies that create business and employment opportunities.
In 2017, Sarawak introduced the Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, aimed at transforming our economy and ensuring the state remains competitive and prosperous by 2030, he said.
"Our commitment to a green economy is also paramount," he said.
The state is paving the way for sustainable economic growth and creating new pathways for human capital development by harnessing renewable hydropower and implementing environmentally friendly initiatives like the cascading dam concept.
He said education is the cornerstone of the community's development, and that it played a critical role in enhancing human capital, improving workforce efficiency, and elevating our economy up the value chain.
He said the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has emerged as a key option for students and TVET graduates now have pathways to higher academic qualifications.
The premier said the state Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) is supporting Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) in achieving Malaysia Technical University Network (MTUN) accreditation by 2026, making it the first university in East Malaysia to gain this status.
He said the demand for talented, skilled, agile and nimble human capital is essential for the state's progress.
He said the transformational educational initiative should be designed to support students, parents, and academic institutions in ensuring quality education that cultivates a skilled workforce for Sarawak.
"We must also embrace digital transformation.
"In August this year, I announced the launch of the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center next year, empowering our youth to harness AI and electronic technologies.
"Through SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd, a government-owned entity, we have begun Analog Integrated Circuit (IC) Design and IC Test Solution Development Engineering this February, in partnership with Melexis from Belgium and Centre of Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS)," he said.
He said the trainees completed their training in September.