By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 28: Sarawak has emerged as a key destination for investment by companies from the United States (US), particularly in the green energy, technology, and high-impact industrial development sectors.
According to the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the United States Embassy in Malaysia, David Gamble, Sarawak’s strategic geographical location at the heart of the Asean region, together with its strength in renewable energy generation, makes it a location that is attracting increasing attention from international investors.
“Sarawak has a very attractive combination of factors—green energy, natural resources, a skilled workforce, and a strong commitment to driving technological and economic development.
“All of these are major attractions for American companies to invest here,” he said when met during the celebration of the 250th anniversary of United States Independence Day at the Sheraton Hotel Kuching today, as reported by TVS.
According to him, many US companies have expressed interest in exploring investment opportunities in Sarawak, particularly in renewable energy-related projects, with American technology expected to play an important role in the development of the State’s energy infrastructure.
He said that US technology includes hydroelectric power generation systems, electricity grid monitoring, and various high-tech solutions that support the development of large-scale energy projects in Sarawak.
“Almost every renewable energy project planned by Sarawak has room for collaboration with American technology. We want to be part of the future development of this State,” he said.
Commenting on American investors’ perception of Sarawak, Gamble said the biggest challenge is getting those companies to come for the first time, as most investors that have previously operated in Sarawak choose to continue expanding their investments.
He also stressed that American companies not only bring investment capital but also place emphasis on human capital development through training, technology transfer, and promotion opportunities for the local workforce.
“What distinguishes American investment is that we train, develop, and empower local workers. The value of investment is not merely in the amount of capital, but in how it can transform local communities and the local economy,” he said.
At the same time, he sees Sarawak as having the potential to become an important component in realising the Asean Power Grid, given that the State has substantial green energy capacity and can support the integration of clean energy supplies across the region.
He said the US is also committed to continuing cooperation with Malaysia in the fields of green technology, critical minerals, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors and education, thereby strengthening a strategic relationship that benefits both countries.
Meanwhile, he also said that education and training opportunities in the US can be the best platform to produce more highly skilled Sarawakians to meet the needs of the growing technology and renewable energy industries in the State.
“Many Malaysian corporate figures began their journey by studying in the United States. They brought home knowledge, experience and international networks that ultimately benefitted their own country,” he said.
He said that the experience of studying in the US not only increases the competitiveness of graduates at the global level but also allows them to contribute to the State’s economic development, especially in sectors that require highly skilled workers.
“When they return to Malaysia, they bring with them knowledge, experience and international networks that help make local companies more competitive globally,” he said. — DayakDaily
