High-technology investments flowing into Sarawak are opening up more skilled job opportunities and higher-paying careers for the local workforce, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said this is reflected in the recent launch of Western Digital’s new facility, which has not only generated fresh employment but also offered improved salary prospects for skilled workers in the state.
Abang Johari noted that another newly launched facility will require between 500 and 1,000 highly skilled personnel, including engineers and technicians, underscoring rising demand for technical talent.
He said companies such as Western Digital, along with other major investments in Bintulu including OCI and polysilicon-related industries, demonstrate Sarawak’s growing shift towards high-value technology and manufacturing sectors.
The Premier highlighted Western Digital’s latest innovation involving glass substrates in data storage drive production, saying such advancements require specialised expertise aligned with rapidly evolving global technologies.
He told reporters this after officiating the Miri Smart City Command Centre (MSCCC), where he emphasised Sarawak’s readiness to embrace advanced digital transformation.
Abang Johari said the state now has strong technological capability and expertise to support integrated and centralised digital systems across various sectors.
He added that Sarawak’s digital infrastructure has reached a mature stage and is well-positioned to drive its broader digital economy agenda.
Turning to Miri’s development, he said the city has strong potential to evolve into a low-carbon smart city focused on public wellbeing, efficient services, safety, business competitiveness and improved living standards.
He said the smart city initiative will prioritise technology-driven solutions while maintaining sustainability, cleanliness and environmental responsibility in line with the state’s green agenda.
Abang Johari also said Miri could emerge as a key tourism stopover with a clean, vibrant and attractive urban identity.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, State Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, and several other senior state leaders.
