by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 25: Positioning Bintulu as Sarawak’s first industrial cluster recognised under the WEF’s Transforming Industrial Clusters initiative was among the key matters discussed at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2025, in Tianjin, China.
According to a statement released by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), a delegation led by Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi representing Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, met with head of the WEF’s Transforming Industrial Clusters initiative, Jörgen Sandström, at the meeting, to chart the next steps.
“The discussion focused on positioning Bintulu as Sarawak’s first industrial cluster recognised under the WEF’s Transforming Industrial Clusters initiative—reflecting the State’s strategic commitment to sustainability and its net zero aspirations.
“A dedicated session at the upcoming WEF Annual Meeting in Davos is being planned, where the Sarawak Premier is expected to formally present Bintulu’s role within the global industrial transformation agenda,” the statement said.
“This engagement comes on the heels of a major national milestone. On June 20, Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Bintulu has been officially recognised by the World Economic Forum as Malaysia’s first industrial cluster under the Transforming Industrial Clusters initiative.
“This marks an important recognition of Sarawak’s potential to drive inclusive and sustainable industrial transformation.”
Meanwhile, Julaihi said being part of this global initiative places Sarawak on the map as a forward-looking industrial and energy hub, especially in the context of the global green transition.
The meeting highlighted Sarawak’s strengths in renewable energy, green hydrogen, sustainable infrastructure, and its commitment to a low-carbon economy.
Discussions included opportunities for future collaboration in capacity development, global investment partnerships, and integration with advanced innovation ecosystems.
Aside from the forum, Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah representing Julaihi also met with Asia-Pacific Aon Plc chief commercial officer, Jane Drummond on Tuesday to explore solutions related to climate risk management, sustainable finance, and insurance frameworks tailored for Sarawak’s industrial and healthcare sectors.
Beyond the WEF programme, Julaihi and the delegation deepened bilateral business engagements through a key meeting held with GUOFUHEE and Asia Energy, which are working in partnership with Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad on a proposed liquid hydrogen export project.
The entities are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the upcoming International Energy Week (IEW) 2025 in July in Kuching.
The initiative aligns with the Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap (SHER) which outlines Sarawak’s strategy to become a leading producer and exporter of clean hydrogen in Asia’s emerging low-carbon energy supply chain.
Additional engagements included meetings with Jiangxi Tianyuan Environmental Protection Group Co Ltd, a key player in waste management and environmental technologies, as well as Qiancheng Group Co Ltd and Comcore Technology Pte. Ltd. focusing on clean technology, digital infrastructure, and collaborative industrial ventures.
Joining Julaihi in Tianjin were Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development), Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Permanent Secretary to the Sarawak Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication, Datu Jafri Lias, and Permanent Secretary to the Sarawak Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datu Abg Ahmad Abg Morni. – DayakDaily
