Abang Johari speaks during the Leadership Soirée Dinner. – Ukas photo

KUCHING (Nov 26): Sarawak’s continued economic progress, longstanding international partnerships, and strong support for women entrepreneurs were among the key themes outlined by Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during a dialogue on Tuesday.

According to the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), during the Leadership Soirée Dinner (Sarawak Woman of Tomorrow 2025), the Premier reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to helping women venture into business, particularly single mothers and widows who require start-up capital to build sustainable livelihoods.

He said the state, through the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development led by Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, has been providing capital assistance to women with specific skills.

“Many have succeeded — some opened salons, others ventured into handicraft businesses — and because of that, we increased the allocation when requested,” he said.

While encouraging more women to tap into available opportunities, Abang Johari stressed the importance of continuous skills development, self-motivation, and strong time management, especially for women balancing both family and career commitments.

He noted that many fields once dominated by men now see high female participation, particularly as more women graduate in engineering and other professional disciplines.

The Premier also spoke about receiving Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, describing it as a historic honour recognising more than three decades of Sarawak–Japan cooperation.

He said the award reflected Japan’s acknowledgement of his contributions, including attracting Toko Electronics and Taiyo Yuden to Samajaya during his tenure as industrial development minister, as well as his role in forging early Malaysia–Japan economic linkages through the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association and Japan-Malaysia Economic Association.

“They in Japan told me these were contributions they recorded — some of which I had forgotten — but they kept the records,” he said, adding that renewed collaboration in hydrogen development with Mitsubishi and Sumitomo represents Sarawak’s next chapter in its ties with Japan.

Abang Johari admitted he initially wondered why he was selected for the prestigious award, usually reserved for national-level leaders, but said Japan assured him that the decision was based on his longstanding contributions.

The Premier also highlighted Sarawak’s strengthening economy, which he said is drawing skilled Sarawakians home as competitive salaries and new career opportunities emerge.

He said the state’s push into semiconductor development, high technology, modern mechanised agriculture, and the services sector — supported by competitive industrial tariffs — is helping attract fresh investments and create jobs.

He cited the methanol plant in Bintulu as an example, noting that many Sarawakians who previously worked with Shell and Petronas have returned due to attractive remuneration and the desire to contribute to their home state.

The same trend, he said has been seen with the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project, which has prompted Sarawakians involved in Kuala Lumpur’s light rail transit system to return.

“When the economy grows and expertise is needed, the majority will return,” he said, adding that Sarawak’s urbanisation efforts are also drawing private-sector professionals back to the state.

The Premier said the state government has also introduced a five-year work visa policy for non-Sarawakians to help support the state’s expanding economic sectors.