DCM: Innovation the key word in IR4.0 era

KUCHING: Greater collaboration between industry players and institutions of higher learning should be established to produce new innovations through research and development in the era of Industry Revolution 4.0 ( IR4.0).

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said it is vital that the country education system is integrated with the requirements of the industry to produce quality, creative and innovative graduates, besides minimising job mismatch.

“We cannot continue to rely on low cost, low technology

We cannot continue to rely on low cost, low technology and labour intensive strategies for economic growth. Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Deputy Chief Minister

and labour intensive strategies for economic growth,” he said prior to witnessing the signing of a memorandum of agreement for the joint Internet of Things ( IoT) research and development projects at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus here yesterday.

Awang Tengah added that Sarawak needs to capitalise on the IR4.0 as part of its ‘ Digital Economy’ roadmap.

He said industrialisation is the way forward for Sarawak due to its relatively small population, but vast landmass and abundant natural resources.

“The adoption of Industry 4.0 will significantly increase our productivity and maximise the utilisation of our resources so that we can stay competitive in this challenging global environment.”

Awang Tengah also urged small and medium enterprises in Sarawak to actively participate in IR4.0 to give rise to a more dynamic and economically strong economy.