Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian Calls on Sarawak Youth to Bring Back Skills from Abroad
KUCHING, Sept 5 – Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has called on Sarawak’s young talents to gain valuable experience abroad and return home to contribute to the State’s growth. Emphasising the importance of global exposure, Dr Sim highlighted that the knowledge and skills acquired overseas could significantly impact Sarawak’s development.
Sarawak Youth Urged to Gain Skills Abroad
Dr Sim, who is also the Sarawak Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government (MPHLG), stressed that young professionals working in developed countries are acquiring essential skills that could greatly benefit Sarawak. He believes that exposure to international standards and practices will equip Sarawakian youth to elevate the State’s capabilities on a global scale.
“I always encourage young people to gain exposure by working in developed countries because we want our people to be not only manpower/brainpower talents but also talents who do not feel inferior when they sit down with their ‘brothers and sisters’ in developed countries,” Dr Sim stated.
Bringing Global Knowledge Back to Sarawak
Dr Sim emphasised that after experiencing life abroad, young talents should return to Sarawak with the confidence that they are as capable as professionals anywhere in the world. This confidence, he believes, will inspire them to make meaningful contributions back home.
“Learn and gain exposure from all corners of the world and return for nation-building in Sarawak,” Dr Sim wrote in a Facebook post earlier today.
He added that the State needs talented individuals to lay the foundation for new facilities and infrastructure that would allow Sarawak to catch up with the standards enjoyed in West Malaysia and even surpass them with global recognition.
Sarawak’s Path to Catching Up with Global Standards
Dr Sim acknowledged that Sarawak started its development journey later than other regions but expressed optimism that the State could catch up swiftly. He cited the importance of brains, partnerships, technology, and skills in this rapid progress.
“Though we started late and are approximately six decades behind, we can catch up quickly with brains, partnerships, technology, and skills, and the time to do so is now! Let’s come together to get the job done,” he urged.
Recognition of Sarawakian Talent Abroad: Ir Chia Kah Soon’s Achievement
In addition to encouraging young talents, Dr Sim took the opportunity to congratulate Ir Chia Kah Soon, a Sarawakian who recently received the prestigious John Tratsoo Award 2024 from Young Pipeline International. Ir Chia has started a new job in London in the environmental sustainability sector, particularly focusing on carbon capture and storage—a field that is still not available in Singapore, Malaysia, or Sarawak.
“Congratulations, Ir Chia Kah Soon, on your new engineering job in environmental sustainability – the new net zero industry on carbon capture and storage, which is not currently available in Singapore, let alone Malaysia or Sarawak,” Dr Sim said.
Dr Sim’s Visit to Rumah Yayasan Sarawak in London
During his time in London, Dr Sim also visited the Rumah Yayasan Sarawak (Sarawak Foundation House), a temporary student housing facility located in Brondesbury Park. This facility provides accommodation for Sarawakian students studying abroad. Dr Sim expressed his excitement at the prospect of welcoming these students back home once they have completed their studies.
“Looking forward to welcoming those who have completed and returned home, as well as those who are currently studying, and inspiring them to contribute to Sarawak’s ‘brainpower’ talent development for our nation-building,” he wrote.
A Call to Action for Sarawak’s Future
Dr Sim’s message is clear: Sarawak needs its young talents to gain experience abroad, learn from the best, and return to help propel the State into a brighter future. By harnessing the skills and knowledge gained overseas, these young professionals can play a pivotal role in Sarawak’s journey towards rapid development and global recognition.