KOTA SAMARAHAN: Four economic frontiers have been identified to propel Sarawak’s goal of becoming a developed state by 2035.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the frontiers, namely renewable energy; gas and petrochemical industry; carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS); and semiconductor and technology, would drive Sarawak’s new economic approach.
“Towards 2035, we have to launch a new economic approach in our pursuit to be a developed country and to further strengthen our economy.
“With these four frontiers in place, what we need next is human capital. We already have natural capital and resources, but we need people whose abilities shine wherever they are.
“Those who, when placed at sea, become islands, and when placed on land, rise as mountains,” he said when delivering his speech during the third session of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas)’ 29th convocation ceremony, here today (Nov 4).
Abang Johari, who is also Unimas Pro-Chancellor, expressed hope that its graduates would play a key role in shaping Sarawak’s future economic landscape.
He said Sarawak was determined to lead the renewable energy sector, following a request from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the state to present its policy at the ASEAN Summit.
“Sarawak has put forward its proposal on managing the ASEAN Power Grid — and God willing, if the electricity reaches the Philippines, it will be sourced from Sarawak,” he said.
The Premier said the second frontier focuses on the gas and petrochemical industry, with Sarawak now successfully producing methanol through its locally operated plant.
He said from Jan to Aug this year, Sarawak had produced 700,000 metric tonnes of methanol, fully managed by Sarawakians.
“We need more engineers — whether in chemical, civil, or other fields related to downstream gas activities.
“We are already there and ready, particularly in the petrochemical industry. Our next step is to build green methanol and green ammonia plants — we are now on par with developed nations,” he added.
Abang Johari said the third frontier involves carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS), where the state plans to store carbon in abandoned offshore wells to generate new income.
He cited Norway’s successful Northern Lights project as an example, saying similar efforts could also make Sarawak prosperous in the future.
“We can inject carbon into these wells and charge companies that emit carbon — making it a new revenue stream for Sarawak,” he said.
For the fourth frontier, he said Sarawak is focusing on semiconductor and technology applications, including artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture.
He said the state is testing a high-yield paddy planting model — five seasons in 24 months — which could produce up to 40 tonnes per hectare.
“This not only increases rice production but also transforms our agricultural practices through the use of AI and modern machinery,” he added.
