OUM engages Sarawak leaders at 2026 Sarawak Budget Conference

KUCHING: Open University Malaysia (OUM) strengthened its engagement with Sarawak’s policymakers and industry leaders through its participation in the 2026 Sarawak Budget Conference, held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) from 16 to 17 December 2025.

OUM participated in the two-day conference through its holding company, METEOR, which was a Silver Sponsor of the event. The sponsorship and participation underscored the university’s commitment to supporting Sarawak’s long-term human capital development agenda through accessible and digital higher education.

The OUM delegation was led by President/Vice-Chancellor Prof Dato’ Dr Ahmad Izanee Awang, who engaged with key state and federal leaders on collaboration opportunities aligned with Sarawak’s economic and social priorities.

During the conference, Dato’ Izanee and the delegation met the Premier of Sarawak, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, during the high-level engagement session titled “A Moment with the Premier of Sarawak.” The session outlined the State’s aspirations, fiscal priorities, and development strategies ahead of the Sarawak Budget 2026.

The delegation also held discussions with YB Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, focusing on potential collaboration in teacher training and upskilling initiatives. These discussions reflected OUM’s role as a provider of flexible and lifelong learning programmes, particularly for educators and working adults.

In addition, Dato’ Izanee and the team met YB Dato Sri Abd Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts and Minister of Youth, Sports & Entrepreneur Development of Sarawak. The engagement explored how OUM, through METEOR, could contribute to youth empowerment, entrepreneurship development, and talent development to support Sarawak’s tourism and creative industries.

The OUM booth at the conference also received a visit from YB Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Minister of Finance II, showing interest in the role of higher education institutions in supporting national and state economic reforms.

The conference covered key discussions on the Malaysia-Sarawak fiscal policy alignment, the direction of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), the State’s transition towards a green economy, as well as e-invoicing implementation, SST revision, MSME digitalisation strategies and global trade uncertainties. These topics resonated with OUM’s focus on preparing future-ready talent through technology-focused and industry-relevant education.

On the sidelines of the conference, Dato’ Izanee also shared METEOR’s vision during an interview on the Decimal Point programme on TVS, highlighting efforts to democratise higher education and leverage technology to widen access to learning – principles that support OUM’s mission.

OUM views its participation in the 2026 Sarawak Budget Conference as a meaningful platform to contribute to discussions on economic resilience and inclusive growth, while positioning the university as a strategic partner in developing Sarawak’s future-ready workforce.

Sources:

https://ukas.sarawak.gov.my/web/subpage/news_view/30373

https://sarawakbudgetconference.com/