Abang Johari delivers his keynote address during the Civil Service Day 2025. – Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING (Nov 20): Nearly 60 per cent of government services in Sarawak have embraced digitalisation, marking steady progress toward a fully digital public sector, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“Our aim is to build a government that is inclusive, efficient and citizen-centred, leveraging technology to enhance transparency, strengthen accountability and ensure equal access to opportunities for every Sarawakian.

“Today, 59.4 per cent of government services are already available online,” he said when delivering his keynote address for the Civil Service Day 2025 held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching today.

Abang Johari said he foresees that, by 2030, every sector of Sarawak’s economy, from agriculture and industry to services and governance, will be digital, making innovation and technology an integral part of how the public sector serves the people.

He was quick to point out that transformation is not driven by technology alone, but begins with mindset.

As such, he called on civil servants to foster a culture of innovation, encouraging them to question, adapt and improve.

“Innovation should be part of daily work, not a special initiative. When officers are empowered to think creatively and act decisively, the public service becomes more responsive and effective.

“By aligning our systems, talent and governance frameworks with our strategic focus on innovation, sustainability and inclusivity, we can foster stronger partnerships with the private sector and our State-Owned Enterprises,” he said.

He believed that these partnerships form the backbone of a high-performing ecosystem, one that drives efficiency, stimulates enterprise and accelerates Sarawak’s transformation toward the new economy.

Meanwhile, the Premier said Sarawak remains firmly committed to climate-resilient and sustainable development, integrating sustainability into every aspect of economic planning and infrastructure development to reduce carbon emissions, enhance environmental stewardship and strengthen long-term resilience.

He said Sarawak aspires to become the ‘Battery of Asean’, a regional leader in renewable energy and battery production.

“Leveraging our strategic location in Borneo, abundant natural resources, renewable energy capacity and technological expertise, we are positioning Sarawak as a global player, driving innovation, attracting investment, creating high-value jobs and contributing to a sustainable and resilient economy.

“Sarawak also aspires to become a regional powerhouse in energy transition, emerging technologies, biodiversity conservation, and the global hydrogen economy, all while ensuring that growth remains inclusive and benefits every Sarawakian,” said Abang Johari.

Towards this end, he said Sarawak requires disciplined planning, strong governance and seamless coordination, responsibilities that rest firmly with its dedicated civil service.

He said the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver, recently bestowed upon him by the Japanese Government, is a reflection of the dedication, professionalism and excellence of the Sarawak Civil Service.

To move forward, he said the civil service must continue breaking down silos and strengthening collaboration across all levels of government and with the private sector, which remains a vital engine of growth.

According to him, a strong civil service is not measured by its size, but by its impact.

“We must continue building a lean, agile and results-focused service. This means simplifying what can be simplified, cutting out what no longer adds value, and directing our efforts toward initiatives that truly make a difference.

“By doing so, we create the foundation for innovation, digitalisation, and Sarawak’s transformation toward the new economy by 2030,” he said.