By Emily Ruran
KUCHING, Oct 7: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has called on homegrown technology company Insights Analytics Berhad to consider venturing into hydrogen production as part of Sarawak’s broader transition towards a green energy economy.
He said the company’s expertise in water technology placed it in a strong position to contribute to Sarawak’s renewable energy agenda, particularly in the development of hydrogen, which he described as “the energy of the future.”
“Since Insights Analytics has been involved in water-related businesses, perhaps you can explore producing hydrogen for our public transport system,” he said when officiating the company’s Prospectus Launch at the Hikmah Exchange Convention Centre today.
Abang Johari emphasised that future progress required bold innovation and the adoption of modern technology.
“If you want to move forward, you cannot rely on conventional methods or approaches. You must use the latest technology. Sarawakians can embrace new technology, but what we need now are human resources that meet international standards,” he said.
Abang Johari noted that innovation has already made hydrogen production far more efficient, with energy requirements dropping from 60 kWh to just 17 kWh per kilogramme over the past seven years. Recalling an earlier prototype project with Siemens that produced 130 kilogrammes of hydrogen a day, he said the German company’s latest technology can now produce 350 kilogrammes in just one hour.
“Innovation is rapidly advancing hydrogen production. Once the cost is reduced, hydrogen will certainly become the energy of the future,” he stressed.
The Premier also underscored that technology and data-driven solutions are essential to maintaining a reliable and sustainable water supply system in Sarawak.
He said effective water management extends beyond physical infrastructure and must be supported by accurate, real-time data, from mapping pipe networks and catchment areas to analysing accessibility and soil types.
“With technology, if a pipe is broken, you just click and immediately know where the fault is. This makes it easier for repairs to be carried out because everything is stored in the data system, including where the pipe is located.
“Even the type of soil where pipes are placed must be incorporated in the data to ensure durability and accuracy,” he explained.
Abang Johari congratulated Insights Analytics for its achievements and confidence in pursuing a public listing, saying the move reflects its readiness to participate in a wider, competitive market.
He noted that water would continue to play a central role in Sarawak’s development agenda, with technology-driven solutions underpinning the State’s ambition to become a high-income economy.
“Your company is well versed in analytics, and with this kind of capability, Sarawak can continue its transformation towards a market-driven, technology-driven future,” he said.
Founded in Sarawak, Insights Analytics began its journey by tackling water loss and supply challenges. Its breakthrough came during the Covid-19 pandemic when it deployed its Intelli Water System for the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) command centre, integrating smart sensors, pumps, and SCADA monitoring into a unified digital platform.
The project’s success strengthened the company’s credibility with public agencies and opened doors to the private sector. Since then, Insights Analytics has diversified beyond water management into other industries, including hospitality, transport, and construction.
Among its technology platforms are IntelliHotel, IntelliTrack, and IntelliConstruct, which have enabled clients to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Abang Johari concluded by emphasising that with Sarawak’s vast natural resources, when paired with world-class human capital, would unlock immense opportunities for the State. — DayakDaily
