KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has called on Sarawak’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to adopt a “business unusual” approach, saying bold thinking, innovation and collaboration are essential to ensure they remain competitive and continue driving the state’s development agenda.
He said the scale of changes taking place globally requires more than incremental improvements and demands a different mindset and willingness to challenge conventional practices.
“If we are serious about transforming our SOEs, then we must also be prepared to challenge old assumptions and traditional ways of doing things,” he said during the ‘Sarawak SOEs Transformation Programme: A Pledge for Good Governance, High Performance and Value Creation’ at Riverside Majestic Hotel here today.
Abang Johari described “business unusual” as moving beyond established practices by exploring new opportunities, embracing new technologies and making difficult decisions when necessary.
He said SOEs must focus on innovation and value creation instead of merely maintaining existing operations and competing within traditional markets.
“It means moving away from ‘red oceans’ thinking and creating our own ‘blue oceans’ where Sarawak can lead rather than follow,” he said.
He noted that Sarawak possesses unique strengths in renewable energy, hydrogen, biodiversity, digital infrastructure, strategic location and natural resources, which provide a strong foundation for future growth.
He also stressed that greater collaboration among SOEs would be critical, as future opportunities are too large and complex for individual entities to pursue in isolation.
As an example, he said energy-related SOEs such as Sarawak Energy and PETROS could work together to position Sarawak as a regional hub for green hydrogen and clean energy, while agencies including Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA), Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA) and Sarawak Land Development Board (SLDB) could collaborate on higher-value agricultural ventures.
Similarly, digital entities such as Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) and Sarawak Advanced Information Technology Centre (SAIC) can leverage their combined expertise and resources to strengthen Sarawak’s digital economy ecosystem and support the state’s ambition of becoming a leading regional digital and data hub.
At the same time, Abang Johari announced that the State Financial Secretary’s Office has been directed to undertake a comprehensive review of Sarawak’s SOEs and broader state investment portfolio to assess their effectiveness, relevance and financial sustainability.
“Where necessary, some entities may be merged and consolidated, some restructured, some privatised, and those that have fulfilled their purpose may be closed.
“These decisions will not be driven by sentiment, but by what best serves the long-term interests of Sarawak,” he said, adding that the ultimate goal is to create stronger, more sustainable SOEs that deliver greater value to the people of Sarawak.
