BY ALVERDTEKOSTER ANYAP & SARAH HAFIZAH CHANDRA
KUCHING: Artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation are set to anchor Bintulu’s transformation into a smart, low-carbon industrial hub, reinforcing its position in the global green economy.
According to the World Economic Forum, Bintulu has been recognised as a new industrial low-carbon cluster, placing it among emerging green economic zones worldwide.
Hence, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said, this recognition highlights the need for industrial activities in Bintulu to operate within a clean economy framework, supported by advanced technologies such as AI to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and global competitiveness.
“With clean and green economy, we are able to attract investors that align with the world needs of green products.
“We are very fortunate because we have the resources. What is important now is the technology that is applied,” he said in his remarks at the Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad (BPHB) 30th anniversary dinner at Sheraton Kuching on Tuesday (Apr 14) evening.
Abang Johari added that the use of AI technology, particularly in generative artificial intelligenceis accelerating rapidly, with newer developments reshaping manufacturing processes and data systems.
“The flow of information will come from the original and spread throughout the world network. Provided, of course, we have to enhance through a strong server.
“This is going to happen within the next five years. In other words, we have to adopt this technology, particularly in cargo transactions, when the boats berth at our port, and the documentation process and other procedures has already been done quickly.”
At the same time, the Premier noted that digitalisation is emerging as a critical pillar in the evolution of port infrastructure.
“The future port is not just physical, it is digital. Efficiency, speed, and competitiveness will increasingly depend on how well ports adopt intelligent systems, automation, and data-driven operations,”
“I strongly encourage Bintulu Port to invest in digitalisation and automation, not as an option but as a necessity for future growth,” he said.
He said a smart port is one that can anticipate demand, optimise operations, and deliver seamless services through integrated digital systems, an approach seen as vital for Bintulu’s next phase of development.
Strategically located along key global shipping routes linking Europe, South Asia, and East Asia, Abang Johari said Bintulu is well-positioned to capitalise on these advancements, strengthening its role as a major maritime and logistics hub.
Aligning its goal on clean and green energy, the maritime industry’s transition towards cleaner fuels such as methanol and ammonia presents new opportunities.
“We are strategically located between the West and the East, linking Europe via the Suez Canal to India, and further along key navigational routes to East Asia and China.
“Also, the marine industry is now transitioning to alternative fuels such as methanol and ammonia.
“This presents an opportunity for us to offer monitoring services, supported by our own production of methanol and ammonia. In this regard, plans are underway to establish a green methanol project,” he said.
