SIBU, Nov 8 — Sarawak will not yield to any attempts to undermine its rights as guaranteed under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), said Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
Speaking at the 10th Convocation Ceremony of Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS) here today, Wan Junaidi reminded the 408 graduates from 21 academic programmes that convocation marks not an end, but the beginning of greater challenges and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to Sarawak’s future.
Among the recipients, 44 received postgraduate degrees and 364 earned bachelor’s degrees.
“We must never surrender or allow our aspirations to be mocked. United, we must support every endeavour to reclaim our rightful heritage for the sustainability of our development and the harmony of our beloved Malaysia,” said the UTS Chancellor.
Wan Junaidi reaffirmed Sarawak’s determination to defend its rights over oil and gas and other natural resources long subject to dispute, and cautioned graduates not to be swayed by divisive rhetoric.
“Let us prove that we are wise, mature, and educated. Today, we stand proudly with our own respected university.
“With the knowledge gained here, UTS will one day be counted among the likes of MIT, Stanford, Oxford, and Cambridge,” he added.
Wan Junaidi urged graduates to seek purpose beyond jobs or titles and to align their knowledge with Sarawak’s development aspirations.
“Do not leave this hall merely to seek jobs or titles. Seek purpose. Find your ‘why’.
“When your knowledge aligns with the nation’s vision, you will not only succeed, but you will matter,” he said.
He also underscored the importance of integrity, warning that knowledge without honesty can be dangerous and that success built on corruption is fragile.
“Never allow corruption to stain your achievements. History has shown that great civilisations have fallen because of corruption,” he warned.
Commending the state government for establishing the Ombudsman Department to strengthen governance, he stressed that the fight against dishonesty is a shared responsibility among all citizens, particularly graduates.
“Integrity is your shield. Character is your compass,” he said.
Turning to Sarawak’s transformation agenda under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, Wan Junaidi said the state is striving to become a digital hub, green-energy powerhouse, and centre for technology and innovation by 2030.
He said major initiatives — including the Integrated Hydrogen Plant, methanol production, digital-economy expansion, smart-grid development, and new data centres — offer abundant opportunities for young professionals to drive progress and innovation.
“Sarawak’s younger generation is equipped with the education, skills, and mindset to drive innovation.
“Take ownership of this journey and become part of the transformation that will propel Sarawak to new heights,” he said.
He described UTS as a reflection of Sarawak’s unity in diversity, where people of all races and backgrounds come together as one Sarawakian family bound by shared values and mutual respect.
Present at the ceremony were Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi; Deputy State Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Abdul Rahman Junaidi and wife Datin Siti Shorgayah Ahmad Zaidi; and UTS Vice-Chancellor Emeritus Prof Datuk Khairuddin Abdul Hamid.
The ceremony concluded with Wan Junaidi congratulating the Class of 2025 and urging graduates to uphold integrity, contribute meaningfully to Sarawak’s transformation, and defend the state’s rights under MA63.
“Go forth and create something extraordinary,” he said. — The Borneo Post
