Chukpai speaks during the symposium at Dewan Uma Kulit, Sungai Asap Belaga on Oct 1, 2025.

BINTULU (Oct 2): Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon has urged stakeholders from academics and industry players, to policymakers and local communities, to join forces in shaping Murum into a model of sustainable and inclusive development.

He said Murum carries a dual identity as both a cultural sanctuary for Sarawak’s indigenous peoples and the cradle of the state’s renewable energy drive through the Bakun and Murum Dams.

“This is the central paradox and promise of Murum ― we are both the keepers of a timeless cultural flame and the stokers of a modern industrial furnace.

“Reconciling these dual identities is the great challenge of our generation,” he said at the iRandau 2025: International Symposium of Social Sciences, Management, Science & Technology at Dewan Uma Kulit, Sungai Asap Belaga yesterday.

Chukpai said his vision for Murum is anchored on four pillars — trust and faith; education; socio-economy and empowerment; and digitalisation and connectivity.

“Every child in Murum deserves quality schooling close to home. With new schools in Tegulang and Metalun, and expanded TVET opportunities, we are ensuring our youth can reach their fullest potential,” he said.

On economic empowerment, he said 99 per cent of Murum residents still depend on agriculture, which must be modernised to secure better livelihoods.

He also underscored the long-term goal of making Murum a renewable energy hub to generate skilled jobs and attract new industries.

Chukpai highlighted progress made in bridging development gaps, including roads, electricity, clean water supply, expanded schools and hostels, rural clinic upgrades and better broadband access.

“These are real stories of change,” he said, sharing examples of a father grateful for electricity that allowed his children to study at night, and a Penan student who became the first from her village to pursue medical school.

Looking ahead, he said Murum aspires to be a global model of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Sarawak’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030.

“We will evolve from an energy exporter to a green manufacturing and innovation hub, leveraging hydropower, solar energy, and preserved forest areas for carbon trading opportunities,” he said.

Chukpai invited researchers, policymakers and investors to collaborate with Murum, describing it as a ‘living laboratory’ for sustainable rural development.

Among those present were National Unity Advisory Council Datuk Prof Dr Jayum Jawan; Sylvester George representing the Belaga District officer; UPM Sarawak’s Faculty of Humanities, Management and Science Deputy Dean (Research and Postgraduate) Dr Shairil Izwan; iRandau 2025 chairperson Dr Nurul Hidayu Mat Jusoh; Pemanca Tony Kulleh; Pemanca Umek Jeno; Penghulu Robert Injin, as well as other local community leaders.

Tarikh Input: 07/10/2025 | Kemaskini: 07/10/2025 | lanz