GRADUATES URGED TO LEAD SARAWAK'S SOCIO-ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION - ABANG JOHARI

SIBU, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- Sarawak graduates must play a proactive role in driving the state’s socio-economic transformation as it moves towards becoming a developed and high-income state by 2030, Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said today.

Speaking at the 10th Convocation Ceremony of University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) here, he said the state requires a generation of talent equipped not only with academic qualifications, but also integrity, adaptability and a strong sense of identity to support sustainable development.

Abang Johari, who is also UTS Pro-Chancellor, said the graduates’ knowledge and skills are important assets as the state continues to expand strategic sectors such as renewable energy, the digital economy, engineering, healthcare and advanced manufacturing.

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“Each of you plays a vital role in shaping Sarawak’s future. Let this convocation mark the beginning of your journey to contribute back to society with purpose and responsibility,” he said.

The Premier said the state’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme, which is expected to begin in 2026, demonstrates the government’s long-term commitment to nurturing local talent capable of sustaining Sarawak’s development momentum.

He said the initiative aims to broaden access to higher education, particularly for rural communities and low-income groups, and serves as a strategic investment to develop a competent workforce that will drive Sarawak’s transformation into a high-income economy by 2030.

Abang Johari explained that graduates under the scheme will not be bonded, allowing them the flexibility to gain experience elsewhere before eventually returning to contribute to Sarawak’s growth with enhanced expertise and global perspectives.

He also urged graduates to uphold their cultural identity while pursuing international opportunities, in line with the convocation theme, ‘Global Impact, Local Identity’.

“Wherever your journey takes you, never forget your roots and the values that define us as Sarawakians,” he said.

UTS continues to strengthen its role as a talent development hub aligned with the state’s development priorities, particularly in digitalisation, technical education, and industry-academia collaboration, to ensure its graduates are ready to meet workforce demands.

A total of 247 graduates received their scrolls on the second day of the convocation ceremony held at Dewan Canselor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud here.

-- BERNAMA