KUCHING: The business community is confident that Sarawak will continue on a stable and progressive path as the state approaches its next election.
Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS), Kong Chiong Ung not only described the upcoming state election as a defining moment, he said the chamber looked forward to a smooth and successful electoral process.
“With the state election on the horizon, this year marks a defining moment for Sarawak. We look forward to a smooth and successful electoral process,” he said when speaking at the ACCCIS Chinese New Year Dinner at Ballroom 1, Imperial Hotel, attended by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian on Friday (Feb 27).
He expressed confidence in the continued leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, noting that political stability and policy continuity were vital for sustained economic progress.
“We are confident that under the continued and steadfast leadership of our Premier, Sarawak will advance along an ever-widening path of progress toward a future that is brighter and more prosperous than ever,” he said.
Looking ahead, Kong said the next five years would be decisive for Sarawak as it works toward shared prosperity, stronger self-directed development and a high-quality economic framework.
“We fully support the Sarawak Government’s ongoing efforts to secure and implement greater autonomy from the federal government, thereby consolidating our fiscal and development authority and creating greater strategic space to drive Sarawak’s long-term progress,” he stressed.
On regional collaboration, he reaffirmed support for the proposed Borneo Economic Community, describing it as a forward-looking initiative to foster closer regional economic integration and structured cross-border cooperation.
“The ACCCIS has played an active role in this endeavour, paving the way for new and broader opportunities for our local enterprises,” he said, referring to the memorandum of understanding signed at the Borneo Business Roundtable in Jakarta in 2023.
Kong noted that Sarawak’s strategic developments were advancing at an unprecedented pace.
“These are no longer distant aspirations; they are fast becoming tangible realities,” he said, citing the ASEAN Power Grid, development of a deep-sea port, plans for a new international airport, strengthening of logistics hubs, and the launch of direct charter flights linking several cities in China with Kuching.
He said such developments provided businesses with greater confidence to plan ahead, invest decisively and grow sustainably.
To further empower enterprises, Kong proposed the creation of a more integrated SME coordination platform.
“This platform will streamline access to financing, provide structured training and technological support, consolidate existing assistance schemes and simplify application procedures – enabling enterprises to transform and compete more effectively,” he explained.
Kong also announced that ACCCIS would lead a delegation to Hunan Province, China, later this year to deepen engagement and learn from advanced business models and supply chain ecosystems.
“We aim to turn agreements into tangible results and enhance the operational capabilities and competitiveness of our local enterprises,” he said.
At the same time, he emphasised the importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.
“We will continue to champion ESG principles, ensuring that growth generates not only commercial returns but also lasting societal value,” he added.
On the global outlook heading into 2026, Kong said the landscape remained complex and uncertain, underscoring the need for resilience and prudence.
“Success will not belong to those who move the fastest, but to those who lay the strongest foundation from the very beginning,” he said.
