KUCHING: Sarawak needs to create a large pool of experts in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) in order to achieve its vision in digital economy transformation.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said to be able to create the right human resource in the field of technology it is important to train children from young in subjects related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
He said currently the enrollment of students in the science stream in Sarawak is still low.
“For 2019, the enrollment into science stream is 24.3 percent. While last year, it was 23.2 percent. This is still far below the national target of 60 percent. That is why we must continue to encourage children to take up science subjects so that they can be trained to become experts in technology,” he said when launching the first Borneo International Drone and Robotics Explore (Drobotex) 2019 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here yesterday.
The chief minister said the state government through Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Bumiputera Sarawak (Tegas) has been creating awareness among students on the importance on STEM subjects.
“Last time we only hear about pilots flying aeroplanes. But today, there is a new job called drone pilot,” he said.
He said to be a drone pilot, it requires training and certification to manoeuvre the drone.
“Drone is useful in the agriculture sector. In the future, we will have smart farmers who use drones to manage their farm.
“When the farmers can master these skills, even in aquaculture that uses modern technology, it will definitely benefit them,” he pointed out.
He added as a result of using modern technology, for the first time ever Sarawak has exported tilapia fish from Batang Ai to Singapore just two days ago.
“That is why education and training on STEM, modern technology, and IoT must be exposed at an early stage for us train our human resource to master technology, and at the same time to transform our economy.
“With these technologies in place, and with the human resources, I believe Sarawak will have a very bright future,” he pointed out.
