It’s a feeling many of us know too well — that tug at the heart when we think about the smell of kolo mee at dawn, the laid-back Sunday strolls by the riverfront, or grandma’s voice calling from the verandah. For overseas Sarawakians, these aren’t just memories. They’re the soul of “home.”
But as Sarawak races toward a high-income, green-tech future under Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, a growing number of our fellow anak Sarawak are finally packing their bags — not just for a holiday, but for good. At the same time, many remain hesitant. Let’s unpack why
The Allure of a Rejuvenated Sarawak
According to The Straits Times, city upgrades in Kuching and improved livability in Sarawak’s urban centres are pulling back skilled Sarawakians who’ve been living in Peninsular Malaysia or abroad. Think upgraded public spaces, walkable cities, and the upcoming hydrogen-powered Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) that’s aiming to make commuting smoother and cleaner than everInvestment and Business….
The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari, recently said that Sarawak’s GDP per capita has already exceeded the national average. The state is also pushing into high-value sectors such as carbon trading, advanced manufacturing, food tech, and renewable energy — with global players now setting up in Sama Jaya and Samalaju industrial parks.
Throw in affordable land prices (as low as RM5 per sq ft in some industrial zones), tax incentives, and one of the most diversified green economies in Southeast Asia, and suddenly the economic case for returning becomes compellingInvestment and Business.
TalentCorp and the Talent Pipeline
TalentCorp Malaysia has been actively working with the Sarawak government to align TVET education and industry needs, ensuring that returning Sarawakians — especially the younger generation — find meaningful career opportunities in tech, healthcare, green energy, and digital services.
They’ve also launched targeted initiatives to build a robust Sarawak-based talent pool, preparing locals and returnees to drive the 2030 economic vision forward【source†TalentCorp】.
What’s Holding People Back?
Not all stories are rosy.
In a revealing piece by Business Today, many overseas Sarawakians expressed concerns about limited job mobility, pay scale gaps, and even lingering frustrations about bureaucratic inefficiencies. For mid-career professionals, especially those used to big-city life and perks, returning home may feel like a step down rather than a step forward.
Some cited that although Sarawak’s development is promising, it’s not yet fast or inclusive enough. Others brought up language barriers, education quality, and the availability of international-level healthcare and schooling, especially for those returning with young children or elderly parents【source†Business Today】.
https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2024/07/22/why-many-sarawakians-are-reluctant-to-return-home/
A Cultural Shift in Progress
Returning home is not just about economics — it’s emotional. It’s about reconnecting with kampung values while adapting to a more digital, sustainable lifestyle. Sarawak is slowly carving out a space for this new identity, blending its deep-rooted traditions with modern conveniences and inclusive urban planning.
The growing emphasis on multi-ethnic inclusivity, Sarawakian pride, and sustainability is a real draw for many who want to raise families in a place that balances values with vision.
Real Stories, Real Transitions
Take Joon, a digital marketing executive who returned from Singapore in 2023. “I didn’t want my kids to grow up in a concrete jungle. I wanted them to know what it’s like to grow up with community,” he says. Now based in Kuching, he’s running his own consultancy and enjoys better work-life balance.
Meanwhile, Michelle, a cybersecurity specialist in London, says she’s watching Sarawak’s digital economy progress closely but is still holding out for more remote work infrastructure and private sector innovation.
What Lies Ahead?
With PCDS 2030 anchoring long-term growth, a youthful population (62% under 40), and enhanced connectivity (via ports, airports, and digital infrastructure), Sarawak is actively rebranding itself — not just as a resource state, but as a smart, green, and inclusive home for the next generationInvestment and Business….
For overseas Sarawakians, returning may not be about “settling down” — but about setting up: a business, a family, or a new chapter where they can thrive and contribute.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just a Comeback — It’s a Coming Home
Yes, challenges remain. But Sarawak is no longer just the land we once knew — it’s transforming. The door is open, the durian season is calling, and your hometown is slowly blooming into a place that offers not only familiarity, but possibility.
If you’re reading this from afar, maybe it’s time to ask: What would it take for me to come home?
Because home — real, rooted, rejuvenated — is waiting.
