By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah must shift from being technology users to technology creators, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said.
Mastery of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) is no longer optional but essential to drive economic growth and people’s well-being, he said.
Hajiji said this in his speech read by Assistant Women, Health and People’s Well-being Minister Datuk Rina Jainal at the closing of the Integrated STI Cultivation Programme at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
Hajiji said rapid advances in AI, automation, digital technology, biotechnology, space and renewable energy are reshaping how people learn, work and do business.
“We cannot merely observe. We need a generation that understands technology, builds solutions and creates innovations suited to Sabah’s unique needs,” he said.
He said STI is central to the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 Development Plan, especially to produce skilled talent in AI, digital and other high-impact sectors.
“We do not want Sabahans left behind in digital transformation,” he said.
Sabah, he said, can leverage its strengths in biodiversity, natural resources and cultural diversity through research and innovation in areas such as smart agriculture, food security, green energy, water management, healthcare, marine technology and science-based tourism.
He said STEM talent development is a long-term investment and called for stronger cooperation between the State and Federal Government, MOSTI, KPSTI and UMS.
He also wants STI programmes extended to rural and interior schools, not just urban areas, and urged that innovations be commercialised to help farmers and SMEs.
“Every effort to bring youth closer to STI is an investment in Sabah’s future,” he said.
Rina poses with SK Membedai, Labuan team, winners of the crime investigation challenge at the closing ceremony of the integrated STI culture programme.
