Sarawak Explores Sustainable Long-Term Financing to Strengthen Education Development
KUCHING, Nov 17: The Sarawak government is examining several long-term and sustainable financing models to ensure continuous progress in the state’s education sector, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Abang Openg said on Monday.
Speaking at the 2025 YAB Premier Sarawak Special Awards Ceremony held at the Satria Pertiwi Complex, the Premier emphasized that a state’s advancement cannot be measured solely through physical development but also through the strength of its human capital shaped by a robust, progressive, and inclusive education system
Abang Zohari said that well-educated Malaysians are key to driving innovation, competitiveness, and long-term prosperity, particularly as Sarawak positions itself in an increasingly challenging global landscape.
“Development is not only reflected in Sarawak’s physical progress but also in the quality of the people who build it,” he said.
“Investing in the future begins with nurturing a generation that is educated and able to think critically. The challenges ahead are real, but they also bring bright opportunities for growth.”
The Premier urged Sarawakians, particularly young people, to embrace challenges as catalysts for intellectual growth.
“There are many challenges, but we can overcome them. In fact, some challenges strengthen us,” he said.
He stressed the importance of creative and critical thinking as essential traits for the workforce of the future.
“When we lack critical thinking and fail to think beyond the ordinary, that is when progress stalls. To think effectively, we must train our minds.”
He added that innovation and the willingness to embrace change would allow Sarawak to gain greater recognition globally.
“The outside world will acknowledge us when we innovate and pursue meaningful change,” he remarked.
During the event, Sarawak Foundation director Datu Mohamad Junaidi presented the state’s academic achievements for the past year.
Highlights include: SPM 2024: The State Average Grade (GPN) improved to 4.84, an increase of 0.08 points from 2023. STPM 2024: The overall state cumulative grade point average (CGPA) reached 2.68. 92 candidates achieved a perfect CGPA of 4.00. 12 schools recorded CGPAs above 3.00. The Premier praised these results as proof that Sarawak’s education transformation agenda is moving in the right direction.
The ceremony was also attended by Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Datuk Dr. Annuar Rapa’ee
The Sarawak government is expected to announce more details on its long-term education financing strategies in the coming months.