By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 23: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg today lauded the Shin Yang Group for reinvesting its profits into Sarawak’s development through projects like the Imperial Hotel Bintulu, contrasting it with firms that earn in the State but invest elsewhere.
Abang Johari highlighted its latest project, the Imperial Hotel Bintulu, as a prime example of corporate loyalty and confidence in the Sarawak’s economy.
“We are proud of the Imperial Hotel in Bintulu today. I congratulate the Shin Yang Group for investing in Sarawak through developments in Miri, Kuching, and now Bintulu.
“Some companies make profit here but reinvest somewhere else. Shin Yang is different, they make money here, and they give back here,” he said when addressing the grand opening of the hotel in Bintulu, which was streamed live through Ukas Channel today.
Abang Johari stressed that Shin Yang Group’s investment in Bintulu signals confidence in the region’s rapid growth and economic potential.
“Shin Yang started in Sarawak, grew in Sarawak, and they continue to contribute to Sarawak. That’s the way we (businesses) should do,” he added.
Tracing Bintulu’s transformation from its early days, Abang Johari recalled how the area once hosted modest facilities like the former Aurora Beach Hotel, which began as a lodging for contractors and businesses involved in the liquified natural gas (LNG) project.
Since then, he noted, the discovery of gas, construction of the LNG plant, Bintulu Port Authority, and the rollout of major initiatives like Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) and Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) have turned the town into a vital industrial and investment hub.
“Bintulu has changed from the early LNG developments under the late Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’kub and continued by the late Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud to becoming a key growth node.
“It has expanded rapidly, from Kidurong to Samalaju, and now needs quality infrastructure, including international-standard hotels for conferences, events and high-end accommodation,” he said.
Describing the new Imperial Hotel as “second to none”, Abang Johari likened its quality to hotels in Singapore, saying its presence elevates Bintulu’s hospitality offerings and readiness to host regional and international guests.
He called on for local businesses to play a greater role in Sarawak’s growth story by reinvesting within the State, fostering both economic resilience and inclusive development.
“With investments from both government and private sector, Bintulu will definitely advance and prosper,” he added.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki as well as Shin Yang Group of Companies executive chairman Tan Sri Ling Chiong Ho and executive vice chairman and managing director Datuk James Ling Lu Kiong were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
