By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Sept 3: Sarawak Energy Berhad’s (Sarawak Energy) Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF 4.0) has been elevated as part of the official programme of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, cementing the State’s pivotal role in regional energy cooperation.
Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy and Petros) and Sarawak Energy chairman Dato Ibrahim Baki, in his welcome address at the forum’s opening ceremony at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today, said the event has grown into a valuable platform since its inception in 2019, offering opportunities to share ideas and explore solutions for Southeast Asia’s energy future.
He stressed that SAREF supports the Sarawak government’s vision under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, particularly the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030, and the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy.
“This year, we are proud to welcome more than 1,000 participants, including representatives from ASEAN and other regional countries.
“Your presence reflects our shared commitment to building a fair and sustainable energy future,” Ibrahim said.
This year’s theme, “Partnerships for Our Goals: Sustainable Growth and Prosperity for the Region,” reflects the need for trust and cooperation across borders to achieve a fair and just energy transition.
He further highlighted that, through initiatives like the Borneo Grid, Sarawak is powering regional collaboration, with hydropower already on track to extend to Sabah, Kalimantan, and Brunei, setting the foundation for an ASEAN Power Grid powered by renewables.
Over the next two days, the forum will feature discussions on energy transition, sustainable hydropower, transitional fuels, nuclear technologies, innovation, financing, climate resilience, and nature-based solutions.
Other highlights include the ASEAN High-Level Roundtable on the ASEAN Power Grid, the Adopt-a-Tree biodiversity programme, youth engagement through the Youth Pavilion and Asian Youth Energy Awards, and a post-forum tour of the Batang Ai Hydroelectric Plant, which celebrates 40 years of powering Sarawak.
Ibrahim expressed his gratitude to the forum’s sponsors, speakers, partners, and delegates for their support, as well as to the organising team for their dedication in making the event a success.
“I look forward to the ideas and partnerships that will take shape from SAREF 4.0, driving a sustainable, connected, and prosperous energy future for Sarawak, for Malaysia, for ASEAN, and for generations to come,” he said.
The forum’s opening ceremony was officiated by Premier Abang Johari and attended by dignitaries and officials including Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Cambodian Senior Minister in Charge of Special Missions (Islamic Affairs) Oknha Datuk Dr Othsman Hassan, Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Sri Julaihi Narawi, acting Sarawak Secretary Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, British High Commissioner to Malaysia Ajay Sharma CMG, Deputy Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam Dato Seri Awang Mohamad Azmi Mohd Hanifah, Sarawak Energy Group chief executive officer and SAREF 4.0 chairman Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, as well as other distinguished guests. — DayakDaily
