Loh (left) presents a souvenir to Uggah, while Sagah (right) looks on.       KUCHING: Sarawak produced 720 metric tonnes of beef valued at RM25.2 million last year but imported 6,525mt of the same worth RM165 million. “Our self-sufficiency level is 10 per cent but we are exporting buffaloes to Brunei, valued at RM6.9 million,” said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at the 18th Australasian Animal Production Congress (AAAP) 2018 here Wednesday. His text of speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah. Abang Johari said Sarawak was all set to increase the self sufficiency level of beef and mutton to 50 per cent and 70 per cent respectively by 2030, apart from being a net exporter of fresh milk. “To achieve this, Good Animal Husbandry Practices including using suitable breeds, precise nutrition and conducive housing environment for animals as well as the use of innovative technologies such as Artificial Insemination (AI) and Embryo Transfer will have to be adopted by our farmers to increase their productivity,” he said. He also hoped that findings from this congress would be useful in an effort to develop the ruminant industry here. The biennial event is held for the first time in Sarawak, participated by more than 600 delegates from 22 countries including USA, Egypt, Pakistan, Iran, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Thailand, and the Phillipines. The AAAP consists of conference, workshops, a swiflet symposium by Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak and technical visits to Bako National Park, Semenggoh Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Satoyama Farm, Sarawak Biodiversity Centre and goat farm Mucow Malaysia. Abang Johari also said Sarawak was poised to become a major player in the Edible Bird Nest (EBN) industry as it (Sarawak) is now allowed to export raw clean EBN and raw unclean EBN to China after four EBN processing plants in Sarawak were accredited by China Accreditation Authority (CNCA). “Sarawak produced about 20mt of raw unclean EBN in 2017, with an export value of RM28 million,” he said. Sarawak targets to produce 50mt of raw clean EBN for export, valued at RM500 million per year by 2030, he added. “Sarawak has an estimated 4,500 bird houses and 1,280 swiflet premises which are registered with Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak, complete with Radio Frequency ID (RFID) for traceability. President of Malaysia Society of Animal Production (MSAP) and president of Asian-Australasian Animal Production Societies, Professor Loh Teck Chwen, who spoke earlier said the congress served as a venue for animal scientists and professionals to meet and discuss current advances in animal science and technology. “A wide variety of topics in animal sciences and aquacultures will be presented, such as feed and food security, livestock and climate change, animal biotechnology, animal breeding and genetics. “As such, this event benefits students, technologists, farmers, breeders, and those directly and indirectly involved in animal production industry,” he added. Assistant Minister of Native Land Development Datuk Roland Sagah and director of Sarawak Veterinary Services, Dr Adrian Susin Ambud were also present at the function.

Abang Johari (right) showing a crab available at MetroCity Seafood Garden while Juma’ani (second right), Abdul Karim (third right), Chong (fourth right) and others look on. — Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg is confident that MetroCity will be the centre of new development in Matang in five or 10 years’ time. In noting that it is a very challenging task to develop Matang, he congratulated Chong Kia Hoi (CKH) Realty Group for their bold move to accept the challenge by former chief minister Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud to develop the area. “Of course, this is a very challenging task to develop this part of Kuching. But I must congratulate CKH Realty Group for their bold move to accept the challenge by the former chief minister (Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud) to develop this part of Kuching. “Today, this part of Kuching has been transformed into a satellite township that complements the development taking place in Kuching North City. Of course, as the successor to the two chief ministers, I’m willing to promote this area and of course to upgrade the facilities surrounding this particular township,” he said when officiating at the opening ceremony of MetroCity Seafood Garden at Jalan Matang, here, on Wednesday. Abang Johari also applauded CKH Realty Group for their initiative to set up MetroCity Seafood Garden, which he believed would become another attraction in the Kuching City North area. Being named ‘Metrocity Seafood Garden’, Abang Johari hoped that there would be green surroundings within the seafood outlet area, something unique and different from other seafood outlets in the city. “At the same time, the environment must be clean, green and windy. This will allow patrons to feel the green environment of the garden that gives you a certain sense of enjoyment and therefore once you enjoy the environment, you enjoy the food.” Abang Johari also encouraged CKH Realty Group to promote their food online, which he believed would ignite curiosity among Internet-savvy visitors, including tourists, to find out more about MetroCity Seafood Garden. “I would also like to mention here that this area will be connected with Kuching City through the bridge that we are constructing now that connects Matang with Kampung Maong. This means that people from that side of Kuching City will also come here after the completion of the bridge.” He also congratulated CKH Realty Group for their effort to build a hotel that will be situated next to MetroCity Seafood Garden, which would attract visitors to come and enjoy the attractions from Samariang towards Damai. “What is important is we also plan for our logistics – meaning the route so that tourists can easily access areas of attraction in this part of Kuching.” Meanwhile, CKH Realty Group managing director Datuk Chong Kia Hoi said the MetroCity development project covering 183 acres of land is a mega project in Kuching City North that requires total commitment and dedication from the company. “We have completed nearly 70 acres of development so far. Some of my friends told me MetroCity has now become a food haven. True, we have McDonalds, KFC all operating 24 hours besides other eating outlets like Pizza Hut, Sushi King, Nasi Kandar and Aroma Desa. “But tonight, I will add another eating outlet called MetroCity Seafood Garden. We will be operating 24 hours. This is to cater for the seafood lovers. I’m sure you love seafood, I love seafood. That’s why I invested to build this seafood outlet here. MetroCity Seafood Garden with a built-up area of 12,000 sq feet is divided into two sections – the air conditioned and alfresco.” According to Chong, this seafood garden can accommodate up to 480 people. “Our focus is seafood. This seafood operator is from Peninsular Malaysia. He’s a very good chef. I told him he must have live fish, prawns, crabs and remember, one thing, your price must be reasonable.” He called on Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah to help promote MetroCity as a tourism spot. “You can see next door (of the seafood garden) a hotel will be built with 120 rooms. It has been approved by Kuching North City Commission (DBKU). We even have the building plan approved.” With a very successful youth night market in MetroCity, Chong believed that with the state government’s support and guidance, MetroCity will be able to attract not only local visitors but also tourists. During the event, Chong handed over contributions of RM10,000 from CKH Group to Lembaga Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Sarawak and Sarawak Heart Foundation. The mock cheques were received by Abang Johari’s wife Datin Amar Datuk Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang. Among those present were Abdul Karim and his wife Datin Zuraini Abdul Jabbar, Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Assistant Minister of Law, State-Federal Relations and Project Monitoring Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Tupong assemblyman Fazzruddin Abdul Rahman and Datuk Bandar of DBKU Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai.

  Awang Tengah (fifth left) witnesses the MoU signing between Sarawak Forestry Corporation Sdn Bhd and Vietnam Academy of Forest Science by Zolkipli Mohamad Aton (third left), CEO of Sarawak Forestry Corporation Sdn Bhd and Prof Dr Vo Dai Hai (fifth right), president of Vietnam Academy of Forest Science.       KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said there is a need to establish collaboration with Vietnam on acacia plantation to help spur the development and implementation of forest plantation in Sarawak. This is to support the Sarawak government’s target of establishing one million hectares of forest plantation by 2025, added Awang Tengah, who is also Second Minister for Urban Development and Natural Resources, Minister for Industrial and Entrepreneur Development and chairman of Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) Board of Management. “An MoU has been signed between Sarawak Forestry Corporation Sdn Bhd and Vietnam Academy of Forest Science (VAFS) regarding R&D on acacia plantation towards this cause,” he said yesterday. Awang Tengah is currently leading a 36-member delegation to Hanoi in Vietnam for a four-day mission starting Aug 1. The visit is aimed at sharing information and exploring the possibility of collaboration with Vietnam in areas of common interest as well as to lure investors, he pointed out. On the first day of the visit, Awang Tengah and the delegation visited the Vietnam Academy of Forest Science, a research institution in Vietnam that conducts scientific research and develops technology in support of sustainable forest management and forest related industries. The delegation was briefed on the R&D works on acacia breeding and improvement and civil culture methodology for acacia plantation. Awang Tengah also witnessed the MoU signing between Sarawak Forestry Corporation Sdn Bhd and Vietnam Academy of Forest Science regarding R&D on acacia plantation. The four-day visit also includes a visit to Tan Phat Animal Feed in Hanoi as well as Becamex IDC Corporation, Wilsons Hill furniture factory and Sudima Panels Co Ltd. The delegation comprises Assistant Minister for E-Commerce Datuk Mohd Naroden, who is also Assistant Minister of Entrepreneur and Small, Medium Enterprise (SME) Development; Assistant Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datu Len Talif Salleh; Assistant Minister of Industries and Investment Malcolm Mussen Lamoh; Assistant Minister of Agriculture Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail and permanent secretaries Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar (Ministry of Urban Development and Natural Resources) and Datu Liaw Soon (Ministry of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development) as well as STIDC acting general manager Hashim Bojet apart from other industry players.

  Broadway Dance Studio presents the 8th Miri International Dance Championships 2019 on November 24th, at Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club, Miri Sarawak Malaysia. For more information please contact: Tel: +6085-421886 FB: https://www.facebook.com/Miridancechampionship/@##@Broadway Dance Studio@##@Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club@##@2019-11-24@##@2019-11-24

Manyin takes part in a traditional Bidayuh ceremony featured during the event at Awah Gawai Kampung Pichin.     SERIAN: The Bidayuh community here have been urged not to forget their origin and identity in their continued pursuit of progress. Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong, who said this, pointed out the origin and identity of the Bidayuh included their culture, customs and traditions. As such, he was supportive of efforts to showcase and promote traditional dances and customs at Gawai-related events such as the Gawai Miring Sawa 2018 at Awah Gawai Kampung Pichin which he officiated at last Friday evening. “These are what identify and differentiate us from others. That is why we should showcase our culture & traditions at occasions like this so that the younger generation can see it or else it will be lost forever,” he said. Around 2,000 people thronged the Awah Gawai Kampung Pichin for the event where traditional dances from various villages were showcased. It was jointly organised by Serian Community Leaders Association and Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Serian branch. Manyin, also Tebedu assemblyman, thanked the organisers for the event and he hoped it could be held annually. He also emphasised the importance of education in the pursuit of success and progress of the community. He added that parents play a very important role in their children’s education, urging parents to monitor and guide their children while giving them the necessary support and encouragement. Among those present at the event included Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus, political secretary to the chief minister John David Nyauh, Serian Resident Johnathan Lugoh, Serian District officer Lim Hock Meng, Tebedu District officer Raymond Achen, Serian District Council secretary Constantine Noeb and Serian community leaders led by Temenggong Henry Bujang Sadok and Temenggong Gee Ah Chok.

Talib (seated centre) and the civil servants seen showing the ‘No to Corruption’ gesture during the event at Kota Samarahan Civic Centre on Wednesday. Also seen are Brahim (seated third left), Rubiah (seated third right) and Awla (seated second right). KOTA SAMARAHAN: It is very important that civil servants have a high sense of integrity so they do not fall into temptations which could tarnish their own image and the government administration. Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip said by upholding integrity they would be able to stay away from misconduct, corruption and abuse of power, and remain as citizens with good values who contribute to their family’s wellbeing and nation-building. “We must make sure that integrity values are upheld by civil servants so they can avoid negative elements and wrong doing in carrying out their tasks. “With integrity values instilled among our civil servants, they will know what they should rightly  do in the course of their work,” he added. Talib was speaking at the launch of Samarahan Division Integrity Day at Kota Samarahan Civic Centre on Wednesday. During the ceremony, a total of 250 civil servants from all agencies and departments in the Samarahan Division took the integrity pledge. Earlier, civil servants who were present listened to a talk entitled ‘Integrity and Corruption in Public Service’ by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Agency (MACC). Meanwhile, Samarahan Resident Brahim Lumpu in his speech thanked all parties for their cooperation and for making Samarahan Division Integrity Day a success. “This programme is an effort to tackle corruption among civil servants. I hope with this programme civil servants will uphold the value of integrity always,” he said. Brahim also signed the integrity pledge. Present were Kota Samarahan MP Rubiah Wang and Simunjan assemblyman Awla Dris.

Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg KUCHING: An airline is expected to start operating a direct flight between Kuching and Shenzhen, China by the end of this year, said Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg. He said Shenzhen will be one of the cities to be connected to Kuching through cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports and the airline. “Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is working together with AirAsia to connect Kuching as a hub to the other cities where they can fly direct to Kuching. “One of the cities that will be connected to Kuching by end of this year is Shenzhen. There will be direct flight between Kuching and Shenzhen,” he said when opening MetroCity Seafood Garden at Jalan Matang, here, on Wednesday. Abang Johari said the ministry is also in discussions to reinstate the Kuching-Hong Kong direct flight. “It was because of limitation in Hong Kong Airport, they gave us very unattractive times to reach Hong Kong. Therefore, there is a bit of reservation on that particular timing,” he said. Hong Kong Airlines started its Hong Kong-Kuching flight on May 28 last year, but it was suspended on Feb 25. Stressing that tourism has been identified as an important sector in the state’s economy, Abang Johari said the number of tourist arrivals in Sarawak for the first six months of this year had increased by 150,000 compared to the corresponding period last year. “This shows that there is an improvement for us in promoting Sarawak, particularly in Kuching because we have an international airport (Kuching International Airport) that can receive big airplanes to come over,” he said. On the Metrocity New Township, he said the government would ensure facilities surrounding the area are upgraded and help promote it as a tourism spot. “Talking about tourism, one of the areas that we want to promote is F&B (food and beverage). If we talk about local delicacies like mee kolok and seafood, everybody know they are from Sarawak. That will become part of the attractions.” Meanwhile, Abang Johari said the state government will rebuild the Satok Suspension Bridge. “The government has decided to build that particular suspension bridge again, just like the original design because it is very attractive and historical. The construction will start end of this year,” he said. Aside from being a tourist attraction, Abang Johari said the Satok Suspension Bridge and nearby Tun Abdul Rahman Yakub Bridge will help tourists visit Medan Niaga Satok and MetroCity. “That will be the route that we want to promote and Datuk Abdul Karim will work with the private sector to have a package where Metrocity will be included in our promotion,” he said.

Wee and the ambassadors during the DHE tour.   KUCHING: Five Asean ambassadors from Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar visited Kuching’s Digital Economic Hub (DEH) at One Jaya shopping mall here yesterday . The visit, led by DEH’s  chief executive officer (CEO) Eddie Wee,  was held in conjunction with the Digital Tourism Forum organised by Asean-China Entrepreneurs Association which aims to showcase the facilities, products, opportunities and potential digital solutions DEH has to offer the region and the ambassador’s respective countries. DEH, a private sector initiative, is a sprawling 12,000 sq feet centre for learning Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), which is also a centre that offers technological applications to businesses and industries commercially. The hub serves two main purposes: to educate our younger generation and encourage them to pursue careers in STEAM industries by exposing them to digital technology, and to provide local businesses and industries a chance to adopt digital tech into their industries and jobs. “Most importantly, we are equipping the young generation for exposure to digital technology, science, programming and automation. We aim for this because under our state’s call for digital transformation, the first thing that needs to be done is to stimulate education. If our people aren’t exposed to technology there is no such thing as digital economic transformation. “When we talk about digital economy, we are actually talking about mobile internet and everything else. For example, integrating mobile tech in healthcare, industrial production, education and tourism. When everything is enhanced with technology, the resultant digital economy. “Only when everyone is involved in digital economy through education on tech and the adoption of tech by our industries, can we then expect Sarawak to undergo digital transformation,” Wee told the press during the visit. Since its launch two months ago, DEH has managed to attract thousands of students from throughout Sarawak to come and learn and familiarise themselves with the latest digital tech available in the market, as well as personnel interested in collaboration from various industries, universities, Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and China’s tech giant – Huawei. Currently, one of the hubs main participants is the ‘Mech Club’ of Chung Hua Middle School No 1. Formed last year, the club has recently taken up residence in the DEH where  members are provided coaching from tech experts and access to advanced facilities and equipment such as 3D printing stations, programming and coding software, and a laser fabrication lab. Given free reign over what projects they undertake, some of the inventions the students are developing during club activities are a smart house system that relies on sensor technology and a robotic hornbill structure that will be showcased at the launch of Sarawak Career and Training Fair later this month. Wee said DEH has attempted to promote further interest and participation in STEAM subjects by organising an upcoming robotics cup where students will compete against one another with their own robots. “The students have to assemble their own robots, and they can design the robots however they want. We only provide advice and coaching on how they can bring their ideas to life and create their own robots.” The competition makes use of one of the DEH key products, an educational robotics system called ‘Makeblock’ that is equipped with sensors and motors and can be programmed and customised by their users. Besides ‘Makeblock’, DEH is also the official country and exclusive distributor of ‘Dobot’ a robotic arm that can be utilised in educational and small scale industrial purposes, ‘Proteus’ an affordable and locally developed brand of 3D printer and ‘Zeemaker’ a larger and more industrial 3D printer. For each product, DEH has designed several syllabuses to educate both children and adults on how the product’s technology works, how it can be applied and how it can be used effectively. Wee said another DEH would be soon set up in Cyber Jaya, and was hopeful the Asean ambassadors would be interested to find out how they can setup a similar centre in their respective countries. “In terms of STEM education, we are one of the most technologically advanced centres in Asean, and we hope to bring that tech to other parts of Asean,” he said. The visiting Asean ambassadors are Houmaophone Souhaseum from Laos, Rath Many from Cambodia, Le Quy Quynh from Vietnam, Nipa Niranoot from Thailand and Sein New Aw from Myanmar.

  Uggah during the Gawai Dayak and Aidilifitri celebration at Spaoh bazaar recently. SPAOH: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas said rural folks today can make a career in agriculture but are still unable to earn higher income due to the lack of systematic marketing management. “Indeed, there are successful farmers in the villages but it is not enough because this industry has a wide room to grow to earn more income continuously in the long run. “That is why the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) has developed a strategic plan to prepare an agriculture produce collection centre as a platform for farmers to earn at least RM4,000 a month. “We are looking into the need to market the agriculture industry overseas as a step to help farmers who are making losses for not being able to sell their produce in the local market,” he said during a Gawai Dayak and Aidilifitri celebration at Spaoh bazaar recently. Uggah, who is also Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Rural Economy, revealed that the Agriculture Department had completed surveys to identify farmers to make sure they are registered under the government’s initiative. He added that the government will continue to give subsidies amounting up to RM270 million from the state and federal governments for the farming of pepper, palm oil, rubber, pineapple, cocoa and other agriculture produces. Meanwhile, Uggah also disclosed that a small airport in Betong was in the pipeline. “The proposal to build an airport was already been approved by Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg during his visit to Rumah Penom, Ulu Paku last April. “This is for the need of Bukit Sadok Agropolitan which requires air transportation for it to develop as an export-based rural economy centre. “At the same time, the building of the airport will cater to the need to market the agriculture produce to outside Sarawak. “I have discussed with Land and Survey Department and the Resident to identify the suitable location to build the airport,” he said.

SFC officers measures the illegal logs. KUCHING: A joint operation by Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), Sibu Regional Office with the State Security and Enforcement Unit of the Chief Minister’s Office, Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) and 10th PGA Battalion to curb illegal logging activities in Song and Kapit area in Sibu resulted in major seizures and the culprits apprehended. The operation, named ‘Ops Jongkong’, was carried out from Sept 12 to 18, in which six raids were conducted at hot spots near Sungai Sebunus, Kapit. The capture of four suspects (two locals and two foreigners) on-site added to the success of the operation as the culprits were normally elusive in most cases, said SFC in a statement yesterday. “In all, seven heavy machinery, one chainsaw and 533 pieces of illegal logs of various species and sizes were detained. “There were some futile attempts to deceive the enforcement team as some logs were with fake Log Production Identity (LPI) tags while some were found buried underneath forest debris and soil to avoid detection,” said the SFC spokesperson, adding that the logs are believed to have been illegally extracted from both state land forest and timber-licence areas nearby. All cases had been reported to a police station and handed over to Forest Department Kapit for further investigation.

March 8, 2020 The Sibu Tower Run will be taking place on March 8, 2020, and is open to runners aged 16 years old and above. The run is open to all public, targeting 1000 runners, thanks to the final leg of the race where runners will be running up the staircase of Wisma Sanyan, the tallest building in Sarawak.  The runners will be running up 28-storeys, 126m in height and with 627 steps. The Sibu Tower Run 2020 will be sanctioned by Malaysia Towerrunning Association. Hosted by           : Sibu Municipal Council Organizer            : MPI Alumni Association Support by          : I-Concept Event Agency Contact                : Mr. Willie – Event Coordinator (+6012-8852460) @##@MPI Alumni Association@##@Wisma Sanyan, Pekan Sibu Sibu, Sarawak 96000 Malaysia@##@2020-02-08@##@2020-02-08

Ministry of International Trade and E-Commerce

  Date: 18 - 21 May 2017 Time: 10.00 am - 9.00 pm Venue: Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) For more information, please visit sarawaktimbersmeexpo.com.my @##@PUSAKA Sarawak@##@Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK)@##@2017-05-18@##@2017-05-21

KUCHING: The State Civil Service will introduce a new development module called digital acumen next year. State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani pointed out that this is to ensure that employees can understand, appreciate and adopt radical (and possibly disruptive) ideas and technologies to enable digital government to flourish in the state. “The State Civil Service is now developing new development modules to prepare the civil servants for culture change to support the digital economy. But we want to take it further and will introduce the digital acumen next year,” he said. “Practically all civil servants, especially those from the Support Group 1 and above are now ICT-savvy. That is, they are able or required to use ICT tools and system in their work,” he added. Morshidi highlighted this in his address at the Sarawak Civil Service Day celebration and the launch of Sarawak Multimedia Authority and the first version of the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy 2018-2022 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday. Themed ‘Digital Government driving Digital Economy’, it was attended by more than 5,000 government employees. Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated at the ceremony. In response to the government’s digital economy agenda, he disclosed that the State Civil Service is advancing its approach on ICT from Electronic Government (EG) to Digital Government (DG). “Electronic Government focuses on internal improvements such as efficiency and productivity and online service delivery, with the Civil Service at the centre of it all,” he said. “Digital Government, on the other hand, is about embracing leading-edge ideas and technologies, such as mobile computing, cloud computing, big data analytics, to disrupt, change and drastically improve its service all for the benefit of the community for better consumer experience and for the business sector in ease of doing business,” he added. Among the significant initiatives proposed under digital government, he revealed, is the creation of ‘Service Sarawak’ as a platform to provide truly one-stop and seamless frontline services of the state government. “Service Sarawak will provide frontline services on behalf of all state agencies, and will greatly facilitate the ease of doing business in the state,” he said. “When launched towards the third quarter of 2018, this will revolutionise government service delivery: an implementation of the ‘no wrong door’ and ‘one government at your service’ policies,” he added. On the need to embrace technology and take a different approach in work, Morshidi emphasised there was a need to transform as the state was faced with an increasingly globalised and competitive environment. “New and complex challenges, rapid changes in technology, the rising expectations of our rakyat, and increasing resource constraints are just some of the forces that demand a different approach in the way we work,” he said. “Our capacity to respond and adapt to these unavoidable forces is essential if we are to remain relevant and responsive in our service to the people and ensure Sarawak’s progress,” he added. On the state’s performance, Morshidi revealed that Sarawak managed to sustain its economic growth at an average of 4.0 per cent per annum despite the slowdown in global economy. “Our economic resilience is attributed to our visionary leaders that have taken bold steps to ensure continuous growth in our economy,” he said. He added that various development initiatives to transform the state’s economy and continuous improvement and transformation in service delivery and the creation of an attractive investment climate had boosted investors’ confidence in the state. “This has resulted in increase in foreign direct investment as well as sustained the growth of the state’s economy,” he said. He added that the projects under the Sarawak Socio-Economic Transformation Programme implemented in the 11th Malaysia Plan which includes infrastructure and social projects, and the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), Rural Transformation Projects (RTP) and Key Result Area Projects continue to contribute to the economic growth of the state. “We are now half way through our 5-year 11th Malaysia Plan. Out of 1,284 projects both state and federal, 70 per cent or 905 are already at various stages of completion and implementation and those in progress are expected to be completed as scheduled,” he said. “The balance is expected to be completed within the next two remaining years before the end of the Malaysia Plan,” he added. As for RTP which commenced in 2015, Morshidi informed that a total of 2,987 projects had been completed to date “Implementation of these projects involved 38 agencies statewide. These rakyat centric projects have really transformed the rural landscape and wellbeing of the rakyat,” he emphasised. The celebration also witnessed the presentation of Excellent Financial Management Based On Accountability Index of The Year 2016 Award, Quality Sarawak Civil Service Award 2017 and Exemplary Officer Civil Service Day 2017 Award. Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing; Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong; Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip; Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Assistant Minister Datu Len Talif Salleh were among those present.

Uggah (centre), with Gerawat on his left, receives a ‘sape’ as a token of appreciation from Dennis. On Dennis’ right is Anyi. LONG LAMA: The state government will continue to implement initiatives for agricultural activities to enhance the economic growth of Sarawak. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said this would include development programmes to turn Long Lama into a Rural Growth Centre (RGC). “We will continue to implement the RGC programmes in Long Lama because it is important for this area to be turned into a development centre in the highlands of Baram,” said Uggah, who is also the Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development, when officiating at the second anniversary celebration of Telang Usan as a district, at Dewan SJKC Kee Tee here yesterday. Uggah said the ministry is also working together with the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) to lay out plans that would be put into action through the Highlands Development Agency (HDA). “We will hold a meeting on Oct 4 to determine the plans needed for people of Long Lama, one of the focus areas of the HDA.  This would help to ensure that no one is left behind in the government’s efforts to bring progress to people of Sarawak.” Uggah pointed out that the highlands of Long Lama have great potential in agricultural development, similar to Kundasang in Sabah and Cameron Highlands in Pahang, which have many successful farmers who market their agricultural products globally. Adding on, he said many perceive farming as ‘hard and dirty work – usually associated with the poor rural folk’. “On the contrary, agriculture is now a very lucrative sector,” he said. Uggah alsoemphasised that Sarawak has a competitive edge in the global agricultural sector with advanced digital technologies today. “Therefore, I would like to encourage Sarawakians, especially the younger generation, to take these great opportunities to improve their economic and financial standing as well as to further enhance the state’s economy. My advice is to be prepared for digital economy.” The fifth Long Lama Water Festival, which kicked off on Sept 28 and concluded yesterday, coincided with the anniversary of the establishment of Telang Usan as a district yesterday. Uggah commended the organising committee for hosting such a memorable event for the people of Long Lama and also the visitors from near and far. “Apart from fostering closer relationships, this festival also offers great business opportunities that help stimulate the local economy.” At the event, Uggah announced an allocation of RM50, 000 for the festival organisers. The collaborators of the event included the Ministry of Industrial and Entrepreneurs Development (MIED), Ministry of Urban and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports, Sarawak Energy Bhd and Petronas Sabah Sarawak Gas Pipeline (SSGP). Baram MP Anyi Ngau, Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, Telang Usan assemblyman and festival advisor Dennis Ngau, Telang Usan District Officer and festival organising chairman Baru Tai, Miri Resident Sherrina Hussaini, Marudi District Council Walikota Edward Mendai, political secretary to chief minister Charles Balan Seling, Recoda chief executive officer Tan Sri Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot and Doh Kayan (Kayan Women’s Association) Telang Usan (DKTU) chairwoman Temenggong Elizabeth Deng were also present.

  Dr Penguang signing an event banner when officiating at the gathering.  MIRI: Ethnic organisations such as Persatuan Masyarakat Ideah Bakong Miri are not just platforms to unite and bring the community together to bring socio-economic development to their respective community and area. Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil yesterday said these bodies could also serve as a platform to revive, preserve and conserve their culture and heritage such as their mother tongue which may become extinct due to modern living and technology advancement. Speaking at Suduun Rayak Aidilfitri — a Hari Raya Aidilfitri gathering organised by the Ideah Bakong Community at SK Anchi here yesterday, he commended the effort made by the association to publish a dictionary to preserve and conserve the mother tongue of the Ideah Bakong community. “Although you are encouraged to have the ability to speak and understand other languages apart from Bahasa Malaysia and English, you should not neglect or forget your mother tongue which is part of your culture, heritage and identity. I fully support your effort and it is a noble effort,” he said. He noted that there is a tendency for ethnic communities, especially among the younger generation, to lose fluency in their mother tongue as they transform and embrace modern society through urban rural migration. Pengguang also encouraged the community through the association to come up with a profile of the community living in Miri, Beluru, and Kuala Baram including Bekenu. In other developments, the assistant minister disclosed that a District Office Complex has been proposed to be built next to SMK Bakong in the district. Pengguang was confident that the complex and RM66 million to develop treated water supply will be catalysts for socio-economic change in the community in Bakong and nearby areas. At the function, he announced a grant of RM10,000 for the association to run its activities and programme. Also present were Bakong community leader Abdullah Samad and organising chairman Isa Sahar.

SIBU: Sarawak is studying the afforestation model used in Finland for sustainable forestry management, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg. Sharing the state government’s policy on timber, he noted that Finland was good at afforestation – the process of planting trees in a barren land devoid of any trees to create a forest. He highlighted that attaining such sustainability was pivotal to give confidence to the market about the state’s timber industry being environmentally friendly. “We are studying the model used in Finland. The weather there is not advantageous to its lumber industry, but yet they can still succeed at it. It takes a tree about 70 years to reach maturity, compared to here, which takes about six years to harvest. “I have told Forest Department that for every tree felled, it has to be replanted – meaning that there is sustainability. Sustainability is important in all the areas that have been harvested – these areas must be replanted again with fast growing trees. “This will give a signal to the market that we care for the environment,” Abang Johari said when officiating at M.M. golden (M) Sdn Bhd’s corporate building in Deshon Road here today. “Once we have that inculcated that brand of sustainability, people will buy our timber products. Otherwise, people will boycott us. “We meet the requirements of sustainability and that is why we must have the right policies in place,” he added. He also assured that the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem’s policy would continue, where oil palms will no longer be planted on government land but on NCR land instead. The Chief Minister added there was a need to diversify the state’s policy of plantation as it cannot rely solely on the oil palm industry. “If prices of oil palm dropped, and timber prices begin to climb, at least we can balance out the markets with our resources, particularly, in land and timber,” he said, while stressing on the importance of safeguarding the environment to ensure balanced development in the state. In sharing GPS’ (government) economic policy, he said the state government stimulates the economy through creative and innovative opportunities that have to be created for its business community.

KUCHING: A delegation of Rotary leaders paid a courtesy call on acting Head of State Tan Sri Datuk Amar Bujang Mohammed Nor at Astana Negeri recently. The delegation was led by Rotary International District 3310 governor Datuk Lee Chuen Wan, who was accompanied by his wife district first lady Datuk Naomi Chong. During the visit, Bujang was briefed on the various Rotary projects that have been carried out as well as those that are in the pipeline to serve the community of Kuching and Sarawak as a whole. He was also presented with a copy of ‘Rotary in Borneo’, a book documenting the 80-year history of Rotary in Borneo. Also present were past district governor Andre Suharto and his wife Norzan Bujang, assistant governor for Kuching Datuk Thomas Ngu, Rotary Club of Kuching president Joanna Ting, and Rotary Club of Kuching South president Fang Yu He.

(From left) Jagdish, Reaburn, Chang, Len Talif, Awangku Merali and Amirin during a photocall.  KUCHING: The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) says the digital economy would require more than one million digital workers such as coders, application developers and software engineers by 2025. The Malaysian government launched various initiatives in preparing today’s students for the future and a key priority of the Ministry of Education is to ensure these students are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in the future workforce. For this end, ‘The Future in Tech: Sarawak’ workshop was held here on Wednesday. It sought to highlight the key skills and knowledge needed for the future of our students and children. The workshop was jointly organised by Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and Tegas Digital Innovation Hub, and is supported by Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC) and the University of Melbourne. “In the 21st century, a recent US report from the Department of Labour suggested that up to 65 per cent of today’s students will be employed in jobs that do not yet exist. “The workshop seeks to explore key skills and areas of study which may be important in preparing them for an uncertain technology-driven future,” said a press statement received here on Wednesday. Austrade has been essential to this programme in providing the linkage and access to the University of Melbourne, which will feature Assoc Prof Dr Shanton Chang from the university’s Department of Computing and Information Systems. Further to this initiative, Australia is currently working closely with local government bodies and universities to develop digital learning opportunities. The quarterly workshop, targeted at students, teachers and parents, creates an opportunity for Australia to share knowledge, expertise and experience with Malaysia. Held at Tegas Digital Innovation Hub in Icom Square here, which boasts 5,100 square feet of space comprising co-working spaces, event spaces, maker’s corner, sky booth, sound and video production room. The hub offers start-ups ready- access to funding and facilitation opportunities, entrepreneur-friendly eco-system and talent development programmes, which would encourage talented individuals to innovate and produce creative ideas. To further strengthen and enrich the eco-system, Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas) has signed 11 MoUs with strategic partners to promote creativity and innovation as well as provide growth opportunities for start-ups. These companies include Sarawak Shell Bhd, MaGIC, Austrade, SME Corporation Malaysia, Swinburne University of Technology and IME Group of Companies. Tegas chairman Datu Len Talif Salleh, who is also Assistant Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, attended the event yesterday. He was quoted as saying that the digital innovation hub was a precursor to the proposed digital village at Samajaya, which is currently in the design stage and would be fully operational by the first quarter of 2020. Austrade senior trade and investment commissioner for Malaysia and Brunei, Daniel Havas said: “Public-private academia collaboration will be vital to encourage youths from just being users of digital innovation to becoming producers or digital innovators.” With the announcement in Budget 2018 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, RM4.9 billion has been allocated for the Technical and Vocational, Education and Training (TVET) sector with the aim to produce highly skilled talent for the future workforce. Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus director of Marketing and Recruitment Jagdish Singh, Austrade Singapore Trade Commissioner Teliessin Reaburn, Tegas COO Awangku Merali Pengiran Mohmed and community coordinator of MaGIC Sarawak Amirin Arsyan also attended the event. For further information, members of the public can contact education manager at Austrade Melissa Tan via Melissa.Tan@austrade.gov.au or 012-6859272.

Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Transportation Sarawak