SIBU: Sarawak is laying the foundation for a clean energy-driven economy, with its abundant renewable resources and investments in future-ready talent expected to create new industries, generate wealth and position the state as a global leader in the transition towards net-zero emissions.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the global economy is moving away from fossil fuels towards sustainable energy, and Sarawak is well placed to capitalise on the shift by leveraging its natural resources, technological capabilities and skilled workforce.
“We want Sarawak to have the cleanest environment, renewable energy and the cleanest air. This is not only about protecting the environment but also about creating economic opportunities through technology, carbon credits and new industries,” he said during the Sarawak Day Townhall held here today.
Abang Johari said the state’s development strategy is built on the understanding that climate change will reshape the global economy between 2030 and 2050, increasing demand for clean energy and low-carbon solutions.
He said scientific studies have warned that if global temperatures rise beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius, the world will face severe environmental challenges, including threats to food security, making the transition to sustainable energy inevitable.
Against this backdrop, he said Sarawak’s greatest strength lies in its vast natural assets, particularly its tropical rainforest, one of the oldest in the world, which plays a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide.
“As a carbon sink, Sarawak has an important role in helping address global carbon emissions. The world recognises this, and carbon trading provides a new source of income while allowing us to conserve our rainforests,” he said.
Besides its forests, Abang Johari said Sarawak possesses a diverse mix of renewable and low-carbon energy resources capable of supporting long-term economic growth.
Abang Johari said these resources provide Sarawak with a strong foundation to become a major clean energy producer while supporting industries such as hydrogen production.
He said that the state is already preparing its workforce for this transition through its free tertiary education initiative, which prioritises programmes in strategic fields.
“Our economy is changing, so we must prepare our students and young generation with the latest knowledge and skills because the market for these technologies is global,” he said.
Abang Johari also urged young Sarawakians to move beyond the traditional mindset of seeking government employment after graduation and instead embrace entrepreneurship and opportunities emerging from the new economy.
He also encouraged them to deepen their understanding of clean energy technologies, recommending the book The Hydrogen Revolution: A Blueprint for the Future of Clean Energy by Marco Alverà as a useful resource on hydrogen innovation and the technologies shaping the future energy landscape.
Abang Johari said Sarawak has all the essential ingredients to succeed in the emerging net-zero economy, adding that clean energy development, digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) will create new opportunities for the state’s future entrepreneurs.
“If this is the economy of the future, then Sarawak’s young people can become entrepreneurs in this new era, supported by digital technology and AI,” he said.
