BY ALEXANDRA LORNA & JACINTHA JOLENE
KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has launched a book entitled ‘Doing Business in Sarawak’, a comprehensive publication aimed at guiding entrepreneurs and investors through the state’s fast-evolving economic landscape, as Sarawak positions itself to become a leading economic player in ASEAN.
The special book offers clear insights into regulatory frameworks, taxation, investment incentives, priority sectors and emerging opportunities, particularly in energy, digitalisation, infrastructure and strategic investments.
Newly released by SALIHIN Publication, it was produced through a collaboration between the SALIHIN Sarawak Desk and the Sarawak Centre of Performance Excellence (SCOPE).
Speaking earlier during the conference, ‘A Moment with the Premier of Sarawak, The 2026 Sarawak Budget Aspiration: Empowering the Future of Sarawak’, Abang Johari said innovation and self-reliance were critical for Sarawak to compete at the regional level, stressing that the state must think beyond Malaysia and aim to lead within ASEAN.
“I think, to win, you have to innovate. And you cannot rely on other people 100 per cent. You must be on your own,” he said at the 2026 Sarawak Budget Conference at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
Abang Johari asserted that Sarawak’s ambition is to become a “star in ASEAN”, driven by its strengths in energy production, infrastructure development and human capital.
“I want Sarawak to be a star in ASEAN. Not only in Malaysia, it’s a star in ASEAN. Because now we are producing power, sharing power with ASEAN members,” he cited.
He noted that Sarawak is not only focusing on energy exports, but also on producing high-quality products to be shared with regional markets, positioning the state as a key contributor to ASEAN’s economic ecosystem.
Highlighting Sarawak’s long-term development strategy, Abang Johari pointed to major projects such as the Kuching Low Carbon Hub, a new deep-sea port and the development of a new international airport, supported by strategic collaborations with global partners, including China.
“We are now developing our own Kuching Low Carbon Hub. We are going to develop our new port of Sarawak, and then our own airport,” he said, adding that Sarawak is working with experienced international partners to accelerate these developments.
He also emphasised Sarawak’s strategic geographical location, placing it within a three to four-hour flight range of ASEAN member countries, East Asia, China and India – a combined market of more than three billion people.
“If you can have that part, meaning you become a player in half of the world’s population,” he said.
“With strong fundamentals such as reliable power supply, water resources and skilled human capital, Sarawak is well-positioned to participate actively in regional economic development.
“Sometimes, you have to be ambitious. If not, you’ll be in the second fielder or the third fielder all the time,” he remarked.
