New, emerging technologies will enhance quality of life — Dr Annuar
BINTULU: Productivity and development in Sarawak must be addressed holistically, says Assistant Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dr Annuar Rapaee.
He said it is the state’s mission to harness new and emerging technologies to enhance the people’s quality of life, create job opportunities, and generate competitive business prospects.
Speaking at the opening of Sarawak Industrial Fiesta 2018 here yesterday, he said the event is an exciting platform for companies intending to expand and enhance their network and business in the global market, with a large representation of industry players in the oil and gas, technology and agriculture.
“I believe this conference will provide a good platform for the exchange of information, and discuss issues and challenges for the betterment of our state,” said Dr Annuar.
He said the oil and gas sector is a significant contributor to Sarawak’s economy, with Bintulu Port, which is home to the country’s liquefied natural gas plant, on track to become the world top-tier LNG port.
“Now that Sarawak has assumed full regulatory authority over every aspect of its oil and gas, the state government would like to see all related companies working together in the upstream and downstream technologies for the progress of the nation.”
He also believed that Sarawak must also embrace digital economy to be more competitive, as mentioned by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Technological advancement would change the way people do their jobs and businesses, he added.
“Automation is crucial even for small and medium business. Sarawak aspires to maximise its potential in digital technology, having already allocated RM1 billion under the Sarawak Digital Economy initiative.
“It is our dream to build a Smart Sarawak, and so focus will be given to ICT, basic infrastructure, energy and other service sectors, that create jobs, promote innovation and develop talents and skills.”
He added it was not only about increasing production in the agriculture sector, but also to produce better quality and sustainable crop.
He said one of the good initiative is the Sarawak Pepper Farm at Universiti Putra Malaysia here, which addresses three important elements of sustainable pepper production - in research, community development and commercial production.
“Sarawak is blessed with two million hectares of agriculture land, 172,540ha of water bodies for aquaculture, marine and biodiversity resources that can be developed for food and pharmaceutical industry. To transform the agriculture sector, private sector participation is becoming increasingly crucial,” he said.
As such, the state government, he said, has allocated RM100 million for venture capital to strengthen the agriculture financial model, create special purpose vehicle to attract private sector investment and promote agriculture products to the global market.
UPM Bintulu campus director Prof Dr Bujang Kim Huat and Regional Corridor of Development Authority (Recoda) chief executive officer Datu Ismawi Ismuni were also present at the event.