By Ashley Sim and Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, Oct 15: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg hopes that the European Union (EU) will assist Sarawak in terms of technology-focused education exchange programmes between the EU and the State’s higher education institutions.
The Premier highlighted the strength of Sweden and other Nordic countries in waste-to-energy practices, in which waste is effectively used as a valuable resource to generate energy.
“As an example, plastic waste can be recycled as material for road construction and maintenance.
“The success of this approach relies on the circular economy, which avoids discarding waste and instead utilises it as a valuable resource for economic growth,” he said during his speech when officiating at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak’s 50th Anniversary Homecoming Dinner 2023 tonight at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching here.
Abang Johari said that apart from discussing about education exchange programmes, he also spoke with the Ambassador of the EU to Malaysia His Excellency Michalis Rokas about the European Investment Bank (EIB).
“The EU has a bank known as the European Investment Bank. Actually, they are very interested to invest in Sarawak.
“Because he (Rokas) said our policies are environmentally friendly and something which is quite unique from the point of view of the environment and sustainable policies.
“And, yes, he (Rokas) has tried our Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), and he was surprised that our public transport will use hydrogen, the first in this region using hydrogen,” he added.
The event was attended by various dignitaries and officials, including Abang Johari’s wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang; Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Sarawak Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan; UiTM Sarawak rector Professor Dato Dr Jamil Hamali; UiTM pro-chancellor Datuk Abdul Wahab Aziz; and UiTM vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Roziah Mohd Janor. — DayakDaily
