Copyright dayakdaily
By Amanda L. KUCHING, Oct 19: ‘Kecil-kecil cili padi’—a Malay idiom used to describe something or someone small but powerful—is what Sarawak’s youth should aspire for the State to become, not just within Malaysia, but across ASEAN and beyond. Speaking at the closing ceremony of Sarawak Youth Week 2025 at the Bintulu Civic Centre today, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg urged the youth to emulate the Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden—which, though small in size, are highly developed nations. He called on young Sarawakians to embrace knowledge, technology, and discipline to drive the State towards innovation and sustainable growth, urging them to be prepared to face a fast-changing, technology-driven world and contribute meaningfully to Sarawak’s economic and social development. “Although I am older, my spirit remains young because I believe in Sarawak’s potential. The young people before me today will shape Sarawak’s future,” he said. The Premier explained that the State government is preparing the next generation for a knowledge-based economy through free higher education, digital skills training and major investments in artificial intelligence (AI), chip design, and renewable energy. Sarawak, he noted, is no longer merely a consumer of technology but is moving towards becoming a creator of high-tech innovation. Local scientists are currently conducting AI chip design research in Cardiff, United Kingdom, under the Ketek AI project. He added that the State’s growing green energy sector, including hydrogen, green methanol and ammonia, will open new opportunities for local talent and strengthen Sarawak’s position as a regional energy producer. The Premier also encouraged youth to pursue studies in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) fields, finance, and psychology, with tuition fees for eligible Sarawakians at State-owned universities fully funded by the government. “In the past, many families could not afford university. Now, every Sarawakian child who qualifies will be allowed to study because education is the foundation of our future,” he remarked. He reminded the younger generation to manage their finances wisely, avoid unnecessary debt, and cultivate a culture of saving, stressing that Sarawak’s fiscal stability enables development without excessive borrowing. Abang Johari further urged youths to take pride in their Sarawakian identity and to be confident in competing globally. “Say proudly, I want to see Sarawak as a leading player in the global economy,” he urged. Concluding his address, the Premier expressed confidence that with knowledge, innovation and unity, Sarawak’s youth will lift the State to greater heights. “While you are still young, make use of your knowledge to contribute to society. When this happens, God willing, Sarawak will become like the Nordic countries in Europe, although they are smaller compared to countries like Germany and France, ‘kecil-kecil cili padi’. “Let Sarawak become like the ‘cili padi’—although we are small, we have that intellectual influence,” he said. Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; and Deputy Ministers for Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu and Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat were also present. — DayakDaily
