S’wak ready to partner with neighbouring countries to drive Asean Power Grid devt

Abang Johari (fifth left) together with other distinguished guests at the Great Asean Entrepreneur Award 2024 held at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 15.
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By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Aug 16: Sarawak is ready to collaborate with neighbouring countries in developing the Asean Power Grid, an underwater network aimed at supplying electricity across Southeast Asia.

This was underscored by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Thursday (Aug 15) during a prestigious ceremony in Kuala Lumpur where he was conferred ‘The Great Asean Distinguished Leadership Excellence Award’.

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In his acceptance speech, Abang Johari highlighted Sarawak’s commitment to harnessing its vast renewable energy resources as a cornerstone of economic development.

“Sarawak has long been recognised for its abundant renewable energy potential. We are resolute in our mission to develop 10 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy by 2030, leveraging hydroelectric power and advanced gas turbines,” he declared.

Abang Johari emphasised that a key element of Sarawak’s energy strategy is the transformation of Bintulu into a hub for renewable energy innovation in partnerships with leading firms from Korea and Japan, which have entered the Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) phase, with a goal to produce green hydrogen by 2027.

“Sarawak will export hydrogen to both countries while utilising some domestically, with a projected annual capacity of 240,000 tonnes,” he shared.

The award, presented by KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific and the ASEAN Economic Club, acknowledged leaders who have made significant contributions to regional growth and prosperity.

The Premier received the honour from the Institute’s chairman, Tan Sri Majid Khan, and president, Tan Sri Michael Yeoh.

The ceremony also recognised 18 outstanding entrepreneurs across various categories, celebrating their significant achievements and contributions to corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The evening was a historic and memorable occasion, celebrating and honouring extraordinary individuals from the Asean region who have significantly contributed to regional economic growth and prosperity. — DayakDaily

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