Rosey Yunus: Human capital Key to Sarawak's sustainable future
MIRI (July 4): Investing in human capital is not a choice but a strategic necessity, said Sarawak Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Rosey Yunus.
She said without quality human capital, even the infrastructure, investments, and economic policies would not yield optimal outcomes.
Delivering her opening speech for the Sustainable Sarawak Seminar 2025 organised by Pustaka Negeri Sarawak yesterday, she said the state is currently in a crucial phase of transitioning from a resource-based economy to one driven by knowledge, technology, and innovation.
Her speech was read by Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier, Sarkawi Suhaili, who represented her at the event.
Themed 'Human Capital as the Driver of Sarawak's Economic Sustainability', the seminar is in its third edition and held for the first time in Miri.
'I am confident that by strengthening human capital development ― especially among youth, women, the B40 group and rural communities ― we can not only reduce inequality, but also elevate Sarawak's economy to a more sustainable and inclusive level,' she said.
Rosey explained that human capital development is not limited to the labour force, but includes all segments of society who are knowledgeable, skilled, ethical, and competitive ― individuals who can actively contribute to the state's development.
'We need more Sarawakians to have access to lifelong education, relevant skills training including TVET, and professional growth opportunities,' she said.
She pointed out that the Sarawak government has prioritised human capital as one of the main pillars under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030 to achieve high-income status by 2030.
However, she added that success will require collaboration across multiple sectors, including educational institutions, training agencies, industries, civil society organisations, and grassroots communities.
'We must ensure every Sarawakian ― regardless of background ― has equal opportunity to contribute to the state's development.
'This is the true meaning of sustainable development: when economic growth goes hand-in-hand with empowering the people,' she said.
Rosey expressed hope that the seminar would serve as a constructive platform to generate fresh ideas and foster strategic collaborations for a more sustainable and resilient Sarawak.
The initiative, she noted, is part of Pustaka Negeri Sarawak's ongoing awareness and advocacy efforts on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), entrusted to the agency by the Premier.
She said the seminar offers a valuable platform to reassess strategies, share best practices, and develop a more integrated approach to human capital development in Sarawak.
Also speaking at the event was the Chief Executive Officer of the Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Japri Bujang Masli.
Among those present were Pustaka board member Datu William Patrick Nyigor, Deputy CEO (Services) Salina Zawawi, and Miri Regional Manager Razak Rambili. human capital investment lead Rosey Yunus
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