LANGKAWI: Sarawak Civil Servants (SCS) have been called upon to adopt a culture of innovation in line with the rapidly changing world.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the future depends on utilisation of new methods – including the use of technology – when performing daily tasks.
“That is why we (Sarawak government) implemented the digital economy (policy) and I (had) instructed the State Secretary to immediately organise the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) (in 2017) because we know that technology is advancing and the world depends on technology.
“And the new economy is based on digital methods,” he said as reported by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) in a news report.
Earlier, Abang Johari was speaking at the High-Performance Team (HPT) Retreat 2022 closing ceremony held at the Langkawi International Convention Centre on Saturday (Dec 17).
He said that Sarawak can also be proud of being the most advanced state in the country in the development of new energy such as hydrogen and with regard to carbon storage.
“Sarawak’s income is expected to increase by RM11 billion in 2025 once the new source of energy can be exported.
“These are all new ways to increase income. When we can generate income, only then would investment come in.
“When we have income, we can modernise our economy. We can set up a Sovereign Wealth Fund.
“Furthermore, we need to save the income because we need liquidity. Our savings must be there,” he stressed.
At the same time, he hoped civil servants would be aware of every initiative implemented by the Sarawak government, especially the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) to facilitate better public service delivery.
“All state civil servants need to understand and have a shared commitment to achieve what has been outlined in the PCDS, of which is to drive Sarawak to become a developed state in Malaysia with a high income,” he said.
In order to improve the skills of civil servants, Abang Johari ensured that allocations will be provided to enable officers at the middle management level to continue their studies even abroad and improve their skills.
“If they want to advance themselves to PhD level, if there are institutions that can accept them, we can do it, and this includes (going to) Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Oxford University, Stanford University or Silicon Valley. We must give exposure to civil servants.
“And I will provide allocation for civil servants to continue their studies,” he said.
Meanwhile, also present were Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Sri Lee Kim Shin; Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Sarawak Attorney General Datuk Seri Talat Mahmood Abdul Rashid; Sarawak Finance Secretary Datuk Seri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar; deputy state secretaries of the Sarawak government; permanent secretaries; and heads of departments.
