Sarawak charts bold path to digital future with education-led innovation

Borneo Post

15-05-2025

Sagah says the ministry is cultivating problem solvers rather than rote learners, emphasising that the digital economy needs thinkers, doers and innovators – the qualities the ministry is determined to nurture. – Photo by Galileo Petingi
KUCHING (May 15): The Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development is intensifying efforts to reimagine the education system with a focus on critical thinking, creativity, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) proficiency and digital literacy.
Minister Dato Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the ministry is cultivating problem solvers rather than rote learners, emphasising that the digital economy needs thinkers, doers and innovators – the qualities the ministry is determined to nurture.
'Technology alone cannot lead us. It is our ethical, inclusive, and future-oriented leadership at all levels that will shape how these tools are wielded,' he said during the opening ceremony of the 'Sarawak Leadership Talk' held at the Sarawak Skills Kuching premises here today.
Sagah added that the event, themed 'Pioneering Progress—Leadership in Shaping Sarawak's Digital Future', was timely as it brought together visionary minds to reflect, reimagine, and realign our collective path toward a digital and knowledge-driven Sarawak.
'Leadership, in the context of today's rapidly evolving world, demands more than vision—it demands action, adaptability, and the audacity to innovate.
'In Sarawak, we are no longer content with catching up. We are now leading the charge in charting our own digital destiny. We envision a Sarawak where digital transformation uplifts every community, data empowers governance, and innovation becomes a shared culture.'
In view of this, he pointed out that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has launched bold, strategic initiatives that reflect Sarawakians' aspirations.
One of the key initiatives, Sagah said, is the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy (2018–2022) which laid the groundwork for this transformation.
'With 47 strategic actions across nine sectors – from smart agriculture to digital government – we have catalysed a state-wide digital shift.'
Other initiatives include the Centexs Digital Academy and the Digital Village, which empower local youth and start-ups with the tools, training, and ecosystem needed to thrive in a digital economy.
'Another initiative is the Integrated Talent Development Agency (INTA), under my ministry, which has been pivotal in aligning the state education system with industry needs,' said Sagah.
'Through collaboration with local universities, industry players, and international partners, we are creating a future-ready workforce.'
He added that the Digital Inclusivity Programme ensures that rural and remote communities are not left behind through initiatives like smart classrooms, e-learning platforms, and connectivity expansion.
Adding on, he said the establishment of Sarawak ID, a digital identity platform, and open-source data frameworks are set to transform how citizens interact with government services – in a transparent, efficient, and people-centric way.
'These are not just projects; they are building blocks for a digital-first Sarawak that are equitable, competitive, and resilient.
'As we look ahead, we must ask ourselves, 'How do we pioneer progress?' The answer lies in partnership. We must foster stronger ties between the government, academia, industry, and civil society. We must create spaces for innovation to thrive and allow our young leaders to lead,' said Sagah.
Among the guest speakers at the event were Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) general manager Dato Dr Anderson Tiong; Sarawak AI Centre chief executive officer Professor Patrick Then; Temasek Polytechnic Singapore director Tang Ming Fa; and Silicon Net Technologies Sdn Bhd general manager Hii Saan Chieng, along with the moderator John Chung Zu An.
Also present were Sarawak Skills Group of Learning Institutions executive director Hallman Sabri; Commonwealth Association for Leadership Malaysia president Yap Li Ling; ministry permanent secretary Adana Jed; Sarawak Skills Management Council secretary Maznah Dasmi, i-CATS University College vice-chancellor Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi; and the event's organising chairman Dr Gabriel Wee. . STEM digital education Roland Sagah