By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 15: Kuching is expected to begin operations of the region’s first hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system in the final quarter of 2026.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the project reflects Sarawak’s commitment to becoming a pioneer and leader in low-carbon economy and technology within the Asean region.
“By the last quarter of 2026, if there are no unforeseen obstacles, Kuching city will be served by the first hydrogen-powered ART system in this region,” he said in his Chinese New Year message.
Abang Johari expressed confidence that 2026 would be a successful year for several key initiatives, including the expansion of AirBorneo into regional destinations and the operation of Bintulu Port as Sarawak’s main port after its return to State control by the federal government.
He also highlighted the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) as a critical starting point in developing Sarawak’s human capital, enabling young Sarawakians to equip themselves with skills needed to contribute meaningfully to the State’s future economy.
In the energy sector, Abang Johari noted that Sarawak has successfully connected its electricity grid with Sabah’s grid, supplying 50 megawatts (MW) of power since early 2026.
“This is the second cross-border grid connection after Sarawak began supplying between 190MW and 200MW of green electricity to West Kalimantan since 2016. With future connection to Brunei, a Borneo grid powered by Sarawak’s green energy will become a reality,” he said.
On regional cooperation, he said 2026 presents strong potential for closer collaboration between Sarawak and Indonesia, particularly in cross-border green energy supply and high-technology development.
He revealed that during his recent attendance at the Indonesia Economic Summit 2026, the Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs had expressed interest in collaborating with Sarawak in the semiconductor sector, citing Sarawak’s growing success in the industry.
Abang Johari added that Sarawak must move beyond being merely a technology user and become a technology creator if it is to escape dependence on low-based technology industries.
Among recent achievements, he said Sarawak has succeeded in developing compound semiconductor chips based on Gallium Nitride (GaN) through State-owned SMD Semiconductor, with the chips enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI) for more efficient power usage.
He said the success was made possible through international collaboration, including research facilities in Cardiff, United Kingdom, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with University of Bristol to strengthen research, technology development and human capital.
Abang Johari also reiterated Sarawak’s aspiration to develop its own micro-satellite or CubeSat for weather monitoring purposes, describing it as a step towards promoting innovation and opening opportunities for young Sarawakians to master aerospace technology. — DayakDaily
