KUCHING, Sept 28: Premier Inc of the United States and Baring Private Equity Asia (BPEA) – one of the largest equity firms in Asia are exploring investment possibilities in Sarawak.
Led by Sarawak Economic Development Corporation chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Husain, which formed Sarawak Medical Innovation and Technology Hub (SMITH), both companies paid a courtesy call to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at the latter’s office at Wisma Bapa here today.
At a press conference after the courtesy call, Premier Inc senior vice president (Supply Chain) David A Hargraves said the courtesy visit was to explore business opportunities in the area of supply chain in Sarawak.
“The purpose of our visit is to explore opportunities to improve supply chain resilience at the global level.
“This follows the need to have a stable location with clean energy and a commitment to sustainability including a good labor policy.
“There is a need to expand the supply chain that serves hospitality in the United States and find trusted partners.
“So we met with the Premier of Sarawak to discuss the matter and see if there is an opportunity in Sarawak,” Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) quoted Hargraves as saying.
Meanwhile, BPEA managing director Gordon Shaw said, Sarawak can be of assistance to achieve its goal of moving towards carbon neutrality.
“One of our goals is to be carbon neutral. We hope also to make our investment portfolio companies carbon neutral.
“I am very pleased that there is a focus on green environmental targets and also with the existing energy supply in Sarawak, especially renewables.
“That will help the transition of some of our portfolio companies to be part of the effort towards achieving carbon neutrality,” he said.
Also present at the courtesy call were Kevin Teng, Chief Executive Officer of AMG Limited which is the designated agent for Premier Inc, Betong MP Datuk Robert Lawson Chuat and Satok assemblyman Datuk Ibrahim Baki. — DayakDaily
