Women's Involvement Crucial To Developing Sarawak's New Economy - Abang Johari

KUCHING, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- The involvement of women in Sarawak is crucial to ensuring the success of the new economy, which encompasses the green energy, hydrogen, digital economy, aerospace and high technology sectors, said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said Sarawak is stepping into an economic future that requires the comprehensive participation of everyone, including women appointed as skilled workers, drivers of innovation and decision-makers.

 "Sarawak is now moving into a new economic direction, that is the green energy, hydrogen, digital economy, aerospace, creative industry and high technology sectors. This is the future of our state.

"In the Sarawak state government, more women are holding senior positions in civil service and in many other places (state agencies and departments), which we will continue to give to women,” he said when officiating the Borneo Zone International Women's Day 2026 celebration here today.

Abang Johari said future economic success could not be attained without the active participation of women in various strategic fields.

He also said that women's involvement in leadership and policy-making needs to be empowered to ensure the state achieves balanced and inclusive development.

According to him, women's leadership capacity development needs to be implemented systematically so that more women can contribute at the strategic level, including in the public, corporate and digital economic sectors.

He also emphasises the Sarawak government's commitment to work closely with the Federal Government to ensure the agenda of women's empowerment is carried out holistically and effectively.

"On behalf of the Sarawak government, we truly appreciate the close cooperation between the Federal government and state government in ensuring Sarawak women continue to be given opportunities and no one is left behind,” he said.

Themed “Memartabat Wanita, Memperkukuh Negara” (Upholding Women, Strengthening the Nation), the celebration was also attended by Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, as well as the state Cabinet members and Sarawak leaders.

-- BERNAMA