By Karen Bong
SRI AMAN, Oct 31: Sarawak has become an increasingly attractive investment destination, with its policies, political stability and natural resources drawing interest from international investors, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said.
Describing Sarawak as a “beautiful woman” whom many want to court, he said the State’s growing appeal reflected the confidence investors and foreign representatives had in its leadership, policies and economic direction.
“Today, Sarawak has become attractive, like a beautiful woman whom everyone wants to court. Everyone wants to be associated with us,” he said when speaking at the Sarawakku Sayang programme for Sri Aman Division at the Sri Aman Sports Complex today, which was broadcasted live via Ukas Channel.
Abang Johari said foreign ambassadors were visiting Sarawak regularly, while international businesses were increasingly considering the State for major investments.
He cited a recent meeting with a businessman from Japan, who had travelled seven hours to Sarawak to explore investment opportunities.
According to him, the investor had identified Sarawak’s reliable renewable energy as an important consideration, but was also impressed by the State’s education policies, particularly its free tertiary education initiative.
“The investor told me that Sarawak’s commitment to preparing its people for higher levels of technological advancement was an important attraction,” he said in referring to SoftBank Group’s Masayoshi Son who has chosen Sarawak as the sites for a USD50 billion technology investment programme, covering artificial intelligence (AI), new technology and data centres.
Abang Johari said political stability, sound policies and a conducive investment ecosystem were among the other factors that distinguished Sarawak from competing destinations.
He also referred to the investor’s interest in developing a highly advanced intelligent data centre and the potential for Sarawak to participate in the global semiconductor industry.
“Why would he not choose somewhere else? Indonesia is an option. Singapore has the capabilities for high-technology investments. He could also have chosen Peninsular Malaysia or somewhere else. But he chose Sarawak,” he said.
He added that Sarawak’s ambition was to become a global hub for advanced technologies, supported by its energy resources, infrastructure and investment-friendly environment.
The Premier also highlighted discussions with the Russian ambassador on possible cooperation in rocket technology, including the possibility of launching rockets into orbit.
He said these developments demonstrated growing international confidence in Sarawak and its potential to participate in emerging high-technology industries.
Abang Johari vowed that Sarawak would continue investing in infrastructure, education and technology to ensure Sarawakians were prepared to benefit from the opportunities arising from these investments. — DayakDaily
