Sarawakians who choose not to return home to contribute to the state’s development cannot be considered truly successful, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He said Sarawak has produced many high-achieving individuals through its mission and Chinese schools, but questioned the value of success when those talents leave the state and never return to give back.
“We are very successful in many ways. Our mission schools are successful, our Chinese schools are successful, but so successful that our students go all over the world and never come home. So, I don’t call that successful,” he said.
Dr Sim was speaking at the Kuching Heritage Race (KHR) appreciation dinner organised by the Kuching Heritage Awareness Society (KHAS) on Thursday.
He said true success should not be measured solely by international recognition, but also by values, responsibility and contributions to Sarawak’s development. He urged young Sarawakians to ensure their education and skills benefit the state and its communities.
“From 2024 onwards, more and more people are starting to look up to Sarawak. In the past, they looked down on Sarawak. I want to thank those who believe in us and are here to experience what I call the feel-good factor,” he said.
Dr Sim stressed that the growing sense of pride in Sarawak was not due to the achievements of any single leader.
“This feel-good factor is not because Abang Jo is doing well, and not because I am doing well. It exists because every Sarawakian and every friend of Sarawak is willing to play their role, no matter how small or big. We do it together,” he said.
He added that continuous investment in education is crucial to preparing younger generations to shoulder greater responsibilities in driving Sarawak’s future development.
