By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 8: Sarawak is inviting international partners to co-develop and commercialise technology-driven solutions through landmark initiatives such as the Kota Petra Green Technology Park.
In a speech delivered at Sarawak Week during the Malaysia Pavilion at World Expo Osaka 2025 in Japan, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that Sarawak is laying the groundwork to become a regional digital and renewable energy powerhouse, built on a foundation of innovation, sustainability, and global partnerships.
“The Kota Petra Green Technology Park, a flagship smart city project driven by the private sector, is among the State’s key initiatives to attract green tech investments and foster collaboration among industry, academia, and startups,” he said in his text of speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who officiated the event on his behalf.
Sarawak Week takes centre stage at the expo, showcasing the State’s economic transformation, rich culture, and sustainability initiatives.
“As the green heart of Borneo, Sarawak is fast emerging as the renewable energy engine of Southeast Asia,” Abang Johari said.
Highlighting Sarawak’s longstanding partnership with Japan, Abang Johari noted that Japan remained one of the State’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching RM31.6 billion in 2024.
“Japanese investments in Sarawak’s manufacturing sector since 2011 have amounted to RM13.8 billion, creating over 4,000 jobs.
“These are more than just numbers, they reflect deep trust and shared progress,” he said.
Sharing on Sarawak’s development strategy, under its Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, he said it aims to transform the State into a high-income, developed economy by the end of this decade.
This vision is anchored on six economic pillars—manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, forestry, mining (including oil and gas), and services—underpinned by innovation, sustainability and global partnerships.
He added that Sarawak’s development goals are aligned with federal strategies, including the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and the National Investment Policy, which identify Sarawak as a national hub for renewable energy, semiconductors, and aerospace activities.
The Premier also spotlighted Sarawak’s leadership in Carbon Sequestration and Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), being the first state in Malaysia to enact laws enabling these environmental initiatives.
“Our strategic location on Borneo Island offers direct access to the fast-growing Asian market, home to nearly 60 per cent of the world’s population. This makes Sarawak a gateway to Asia and beyond.
“Our clean, reliable, and affordable renewable energy, mainly from hydropower, solar, biomass and waste to energy, positions Sarawak among the most sustainable regions in Southeast Asia.
“Sarawak is open for investment, discovery, and friendship. We offer a stable political climate, transparent governance, and an investor-friendly environment—with robust infrastructure and expanding digital, air, and sea connectivity,” he said.
InvestSarawak, the State’s dedicated investment promotion agency, ensures end-to-end facilitation and support for investors entering Sarawak’s market.
Sarawak Week in Osaka featured business matching sessions and pocket talks, generating strong interest in sectors such as green energy, smart manufacturing, tourism, and the digital economy.
Cultural showcases, including live Buriek weaving, traditional Sape performances, and Sarawak cuisine, also captivated Japanese visitors.
With 4.83 million tourist arrivals in 2024, Sarawak is gaining momentum as a leading destination for nature, culture, and adventure, particularly among Japanese travellers.
“As Sarawak Week draws to a close, I thank all our partners, guests, and visitors who made this a successful and meaningful showcase. From Osaka to Kuching, our stories are intertwined,” he concluded.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, Deputy Minister of Tourism Datuk Sebastian Ting, Deputy Minister of Utility (Sarawak Energy and PETROS) Datuk Ibrahim Baku and senior officials from Sarawak government and agencies were among the delegation. — DayakDaily
