KUCHING: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is keen to explore strategic collaboration with the Sarawak Government to advance future infrastructure and clean energy initiatives in line with the state’s sustainable development goals.
Representative from AIIB, Kim See Lim, said the visit to Sarawak is part of a series of official visits to Malaysia aimed at directly hearing the country’s development aspirations and goals, while also identifying potential collaborations aligned with the mandate of the international financial institution.
“We are honoured to be here, and this visit aims to understand Malaysia’s development aspirations and explore how AIIB can collaborate to support that agenda,” she said at a press conference.
Earlier today (Feb 6), the delegation from AIIB paid a courtesy call on the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Satria Pertiwi Complex here.
She added that discussions with the Premier strengthened AIIB’s confidence in the state’s development direction, particularly the state commitment to investing in next-generation technologies based on renewable energy.
“Sarawak’s intention to invest in next-generation technologies, especially renewable energy, aligns strongly with AIIB’s mandate, which focuses on financing and investing in future infrastructure,” she said.
Kim also expressed AIIB’s enthusiasm about Sarawak’s potential as a strategic partner, given the state’s strategic position in developing the energy sector as well as advancing regional connectivity within ASEAN.
She emphasised that AIIB not only focuses on planning and vision but also prioritises the implementation of practical, high-impact projects.
“We believe it is not just vision and discussions that matter, but also the execution of projects and bringing them into reality,” she said.
Areas of cooperation discussed include next-generation energy transition initiatives such as hydrogen development, carbon capture and management, development of next-generation fuels for aviation, transportation and ports, as well as regional connectivity agendas involving energy and transport networks.
“All these initiatives aim to make Sarawak more resilient and sustainable, while strengthening its position within ASEAN’s regional connectivity agenda,” said Kim.
