By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Nov 10: Sarawak is confident of reaching its RM282 billion gross domestic product (GDP) target by 2030, with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg pointing to growing foreign investment and emerging industries as key drivers of the State’s economic growth.
He said Sarawak’s GDP had reached RM153 billion five years ago, leaving the State with substantial work ahead to achieve its 2030 ambition.
“Alhamdulillah, I believe our policies have gained the confidence of foreign investors,” he said during a dialogue session at the Sarawak Form Six Student Leadership and Empowerment Convention 2026 at UCSI Hotel here today.
Abang Johari pointed to major investment commitments, including SoftBank Group’s planned technology investment programme involving artificial intelligence (AI), new technologies and data centres, as well as the recent US$1.85 billion investment package involving SoftBank, Grab and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS).
Of the latter, US$1 billion has been earmarked for the development of AI infrastructure in Sarawak, with the main processing plant planned for Tanjung Embang.
He also cited a separate US$1 billion investment involving Indonesia-based Indorama, China’s Highcam and Japan’s Sakura, which would utilise Sarawak’s gas resources.
He said these investments would contribute to the State’s economic growth and help drive it towards the RM282 billion GDP target.
“We pray that I can achieve the RM282 billion GDP target for Sarawak. So, it looks like we are on track for 2030,” he said.
However, Abang Johari said Sarawak’s economic ambitions must be matched by efforts to develop local talent, particularly to meet the demands of emerging industries.
He said Sarawak must equip its young people with the skills and knowledge needed to support emerging industries beyond 2030.
“I can see that Sarawak’s children, if properly trained, can become talented individuals,” he said.
He also recalled SoftBank’s confidence in Sarawak, saying the company had highlighted not only the State’s power and water resources but also its free education policy as important factors in developing future talent.
He said a shared spirit of cooperation among young people would be key to shaping Sarawak’s future leadership.
“If this becomes part of our culture, future leaders will unite to advance Sarawak. That will certainly happen,” he said. — DayakDaily
