KUCHING: Sarawak has the opportunity to showcase its strengths on a regional platform as Malaysia prepares to assume the role of Asean chairman in 2025.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg expressed confidence that Sarawak’s contributions to renewable energy, digital transformation, and sustainable agriculture will reinforce Malaysia’s leadership in Asean while creating new pathways for collaboration and trade.
He noted that another significant development presenting opportunities for Sarawak is the establishment of Nusantara, Indonesia’s new capital in Kalimantan.
“Its proximity to our region opens up immense potential for cross-border economic collaboration, particularly in trade, logistics and tourism.
“By strengthening connectivity and collaboration with our neighbours, we can further integrate Sarawak into the regional economy and enhance our position as a strategic gateway for Asean,” he said when officiating at the 2025 Sarawak Budget Conference at Borneo Conference Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Tuesday (Dec 3).
Abang Johari assured that energy continues to be a key pillar of Sarawak’s economic strategy, supported by its Energy Roadmap.
The state, he said, is making progress on initiatives like the Murum Floating Solar Project, which is set to become the world’s largest hybrid floating solar-hydro installation upon completion.
He asserted that Sarawak aims to produce 240,000 tons of hydrogen annually by 2028, contributing between RM2.5 billion and RM3.6 billion to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) each year.
“These efforts not only bolster energy security but also drive economic growth and support our Net Zero 2050 aspirations,” he added.
The Premier stressed that Sarawak is also positioning itself for the future through innovative ventures, including the space economy.
He noted that the state’s strategic location near the equator makes it an ideal hub for satellite launches, and that feasibility studies for this initiative are already in progress.
“Leveraging renewable hydrogen as clean space fuel, we aim to attract global partnerships while creating new opportunities in satellite technology, navigation systems and advanced logistics.
“Our financial capacity continues to be strengthened through strategic measures such as the State Alternative Funding Initiative, leveraging institutions like DBOS to accelerate infrastructure development while maintaining fiscal discipline.
“These innovative approaches enable us to deliver transformative projects without compromising the financial stability of Sarawak,” he said.
