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Borneo Post
15-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak charts bold path to digital future with education-led innovation
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
Borneo Post
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Cosplay passion shines across generations at OtaZo 2025 in Kuching's Boulevard Mall
Najib shows his 3D-printed Ecto Goggles. — Photo by Galileo Petingi KUCHING (April 26): Age is just a number for 46-year-old Mohd Najib, who confidently donned his Ghostbusters outfit on the first day of OtaZo 2025, a vibrant pop culture event taking place at Boulevard Shopping Mall here. Sporting a khaki-brown jumpsuit reminiscent of the iconic 1984 film, Najib's ensemble was complete with a replica Proton Gun, Proton Pack, and meticulously 3D-printed Ecto Goggles. His attention to detail was evident, reflecting years of dedication to his craft. 'I'm not the first person to cosplay this outfit – there was someone before me. But when I saw him wearing it, I thought it was the right time to put everything together. 'That's when I started searching for materials to craft the outfit,' he told The Borneo Post when met at the event today. Having been in the scene since 2013, Najib's journey began with cosplay of Captain America, followed by his longest-running portrayal as Batman. For this year's OtaZo, he opted for the Ghostbusters attire to fully embrace the experience alongside fellow cosplayers. 'When it comes to age, I don't think it's an issue. There are cosplayers out there who are even older than me,' he said. Emphasising that cosplay is a passion that transcends generations, Najib pointed out that some older cosplayers overseas had even managed to cosplay as Jedi Masters at such events. The OtaZo featured a vibrant mix of cosplayers or 'cosers', majority of whom are in their 20s and 30s. Their costumes ranged from simple yet accurate anime-inspired apparel to intricately designed outfits from Japanese series such as 'Sakamoto Days' and 'The Apothecary Diaries', as well as popular video games including 'Genshin Impact', 'Helldivers 2', and 'Warhammer 40K'. Among the event's exhibitors was 27-year-old full-time cosplayer and prop maker Mira Sufine, also known as 'Explo Coser'. Her booth, showcasing handcrafted props, souvenirs and photos of her previous cosplays, attracted enthusiastic attention from fellow cosplayers, fans, and visitors alike. At the event, she cosplayed as 'Xavier' from the videogame 'Love and Deepspace'. Mira poses for the camera at her exhibition booth. — Photo by Galileo Petingi 'This has been a hobby of mine since 2015 – it's been ten years now. It became my full-time career in 2022, and I've been doing it ever since,' she added. Attending the event for the first time was 27-year-old network engineer Jan Chong Cheng, who sported a simple costume inspired by 'Jujutsu Kaisen'. He was accompanying his girlfriend, who had set up a booth selling hand-drawn anime character artworks. 'This event brings something more to life – it connects people with shared interests, especially those who love anime,' he said. Jan in his cosplay inspired by 'Jujutsu Kaisen'. — Photo by Galileo Petingi Boulevard Shopping Mall cosplay Kuching OtaZo 2025
Borneo Post
22-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
PSIEA 2025 out to recognise outstanding businesses in S'wak
Abang Abdul Karim delivers his speech. – Photo by Galileo Petingi KUCHING (April 22): The Sarawak Business Federation (SBF), in collaboration with the Sarawak government and Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), is committed to enhancing organisational excellence in the state through the Premier of Sarawak Industry Excellence Award (PSIEA) 2025. According to SBF president Dato Sri Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg, the PSIEA, now in its fifth edition, aims to recognise the achievements of companies within the state, with the hope of nurturing a new generation committed to business in Sarawak. 'It is also hoped this would elevate the state's standing at both regional and global levels in an increasingly complex business landscape,' he said in his welcoming address at the award's opening ceremony at Tegas Digital Village Auditorium, Samajaya Industrial Park, here yesterday. Abang Abdul Karim said since its establishment in 2017, SBF had consistently worked towards strengthening Sarawak's industrial ecosystem; thus, PSIEA to be meant as a reflection of its commitment to fostering excellence, innovation and recognition across all sectors. 'It also serves as the highest state-level recognition in its category, honouring outstanding businesses in Sarawak. 'In this regard, we are very pleased to once again collaborate with our strategic partner, the MPC, for their invaluable support in ensuring this prestigious and credible award process,' he said. Abang Abdul Karim added the award celebrates businesses driven by strong values and a clear purpose, laying a solid foundation for Sarawak's business landscape. 'As Sarawak strives to become a high-income state, PSIEA plays a crucial role in supporting the state's economic and productivity agenda. 'Hence, I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the Sarawak government for their unwavering support over the years,' he said. Abang Abdul Karim added that more business activities in the state should rise to the challenge, using this award as a stepping stone to inspire transformation, benchmark best practices, and build a lasting legacy in the business world. 'With strong interest from local banks in PSIEA 2025, we warmly welcome and look forward to fostering meaningful partnerships that will further strengthen the impact and sustainability of this award in the years to come,' he said. The awards ceremony was officiated at by Deputy Minister for International Trade and Investment Datuk Dr Malcom Mussen Lamoh, who represented Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan at the event.
