Thirty-eight-year-old journalist Norman Goh, originally from Kuching in Sarawak, Malaysia, now lives and works in Kuala Lumpur. Despite relocating for better job opportunities, he continues to follow developments in his home state closely. Goh noted the importance of efficient governance for Sarawak’s future growth. “Sarawak’s population isn’t large, but if the state can run more efficiently, build its human capital and focus on targeted industries, it could draw in high-impact investments,” Goh said. “The key is transparency and good governance – that’s what builds investor confidence and creates quality jobs for Sarawakian youth.”
He also emphasized that competitive salaries and clear career pathways, along with a high quality of life, could help attract and retain talent in Sarawak.
Good governance has practical impacts on daily life by improving services such as permit processing, energy supply, education, healthcare, infrastructure maintenance, and budget allocation. These improvements can foster business investment and job creation. When effective systems are established, prosperity can extend to rural areas and benefit all residents.
Having achieved high-income status, Sarawak faces the challenge of sustaining growth while ensuring inclusion and shared prosperity through lasting employment opportunities.
In March 2025, the World Bank Group partnered with the Federal Government of Malaysia and the State Government of Sarawak through an agreement aimed at modernizing planning processes and public financial management across the state. The agreement includes measures such as adopting a new State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) Ownership Policy, introducing a corporate governance code for SOEs in Sarawak, and implementing a digital dashboard to monitor performance.
These steps are intended to improve transparency and efficiency among public enterprises so they can reinvest profits into expanding operations and upgrading infrastructure. The introduction of Result-Based Budgeting (RBB) starting with the 2025-2026 budget cycle will link government spending to measurable outcomes in sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
The reforms are designed to ensure public funds are used effectively where they are most needed while increasing accountability within public institutions.
At an official ceremony in Kuching marking the agreement exchange, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted institutional reform as central to achieving developed-state status by 2030. "A capable and effective government means that our SOEs must also operate under the highest standards of professionalism, transparency and accountability. Here in Sarawak, we are committed to a different path. We understand that strengthening corporate governance of our SOEs is not just important – it is an urgent priority," he said.
Zafer Mustafaoğlu from the World Bank Group pointed out that SOEs play significant roles globally but often lack clear policies or strong oversight frameworks. He also stressed that robust public financial management is crucial due to its impact on national economies.
The partnership between Sarawak authorities and the World Bank marks a long-term effort toward institutional reform with support from international expertise as part of broader development goals for the state.