Taib, Ragad, Fatimah (fifth right) and other guests cutting the Azam 32nd anniversary cake. — Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING: The state government is investing significantly in education and training especially for the younger generation as part of its efforts to equip the state to achieve its main development goals.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem said this was also to fulfil the need for a massive skilled workforce for the state’s latest development agenda.

“In addition to this, the state is also actively investing in its information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure which is an important enabler and driver in today’s economies and education,” he said in his speech read by Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah at Angkatan Zaman Mansang Sarawak’s (Azam) 32nd anniversary dinner held at a leading hotel here on Monday.

Guests of honour were Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife Toh Puan Dato’ Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib.

With Sarawak’s potential to be a key industrial player in the region, the state which is rich in resources was currently developing value added industries.

“We are working on strong inflows of investment into our economy as well as building our infrastructure to be a major energy supplier both nationally and regionally,” Adenan said.

He added that the state government also placed emphasis on the need to nurture socially and culturally vibrant cities and towns for quality living in the state’s urban centres.

“Under the Government Transformation Programme, rural development was one of the key areas identified to improve the socio-economic welfare of people in rural areas as well as to offer them the same opportunities as those in urban areas.”

In order to advance the state’s development agenda, Adenan, who is also Azam advisor, said the state government required the constant support of all other sectors of society.

“The government supports the non-governmental sector in their efforts to play their part in building the capacities of our people so they could participate actively and meaningfully in mainstream development.”

In view of this, he commended the efforts undertaken by various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the state such as Azam, which had sought to advance the wellbeing of communities in various areas such as education, women development, youth development, social welfare, rural community development, environmental conservation, preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, promoting social harmony and more.

“The state government also encourages volunteerism in Sarawak that could contribute significantly to positive change and social transformation in our state.”

Meanwhile, Taib, who is also Azam patron, expressed his gratitude to those who had contributed to Azam’s success.

“Many of you have helped Azam in many ways and I’m very happy to have this opportunity to say thank you to all of you who have helped me in making Azam the success it is today,” he said.

Among those present at the dinner were State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Abdul Ghani and Azam chief executive officer Datu Aloysius Dris.