KUCHING, Oct 29 — The Sarawak government has agreed to establish a new campus of Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus (Swinburne Sarawak), dedicated solely to research and innovation, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
Abang Johari said the state has identified 10 acres of land for this campus, with the possibility of expanding to 15 acres if needed.
“The state government will fund and equip the facility with cutting-edge technology to help Sarawak produce world-class researchers and innovators,” he said when officiating at the Swinburne Sarawak’s 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching last night.
Abang Johari stressed that Sarawak must advance in four strategic frontiers of development over the next 25 years, each requiring strong human capital.
He said these frontiers — energy, semiconductor, petrochemical and mineral science — will drive Sarawak’s transition into a high-income, technologically advanced economy.
“Sarawak has the necessary resources. What we need now is human capital—and Swinburne must play an important role in developing highly skilled intellectuals who can process and innovate using Sarawak’s own materials,” he said.
He noted that Sarawak is at a critical juncture as it pursues its vision of becoming a developed state by 2030, with a focus on the digital economy, renewable energy — especially hydrogen — and Industry 4.0.
“To achieve this, we need a new generation of talent like engineers who understand both traditional systems and emerging technologies; business leaders who can operate globally while staying rooted locally; IT professionals who can drive digital transformation; and researchers who can solve real-world problems faced by our industries and communities,” he said.
He observed that today’s workforce demands are vastly different from those of 25 years ago.
“Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics, automation, and sustainable technologies are no longer futuristic ideas — they are realities shaping industries now,” he said.
Therefore, Abang Johari said Swinburne Sarawak’s graduates must not only have technical knowledge, but also critical thinking, adaptability, and the drive for lifelong learning.
He congratulated Swinburne Sarawak on its 25th anniversary, praising its contributions to education and culture.
“Swinburne Sarawak has contributed not only to shaping students and people, but also to nurturing a culture — a culture that inspires our young people to move forward, to learn, and to gain knowledge so that they can play their role in Sarawak’s development,” he said.
Abang Johari noted that the establishment of Swinburne Sarawak as a branch campus of Swinburne University of Technology, Australia, was a strategic decision — a joint investment in the people of the state and its future.
“It required vision from the university’s leadership, who saw the potential of our region, and commitment from the Sarawak government, which has always believed that investment in education is fundamental to our economic growth and progress,” he added
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Swinburne University of Technology vice-chancellor and president Prof Pascale Quester, Yayasan Sarawak director Datu Mohamad Junaidi Mohidin and Swinburne Sarawak Board of Directors chairman Datuk Amar Jaul Samion. — The Borneo Post
