KUCHING: The fourth edition of the Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF 4.0) has officially opened today (Sept 3) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here.
Organised by Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and co-hosted with the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication and the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Sarawak, the event brought together more than 1,000 participants from ASEAN member states and other regional countries.
Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy Berhad and PETROS) Datuk Ibrahim Baki, who is also the chairman of SEB, said since its introduction in 2019, SAREF has become an important platform for sharing ideas and finding solutions to the region’s energy challenges.
“This forum supports the vision of the Sarawak government under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, including the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030, and the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy,” he says during the forum’s opening.
This year’s theme, “Partnerships for Our Goals: Sustainable Growth and Prosperity for the Region”, reflected the importance of trust and cooperation across borders to ensure a fair and just energy transition while supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Significantly, SAREF 4.0 formed part of the official programme for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, reinforcing Sarawak’s role in shaping regional energy policies and partnerships.
One of the key highlights of the forum is Sarawak’s progress in powering the Borneo Grid, which aims to connect Sabah, Kalimantan, and Brunei through renewable hydropower, paving the way for a fully integrated ASEAN Power Grid.
“By sharing renewable energy, we can grow our economies while reducing carbon emissions together,” Ibrahim said.
Over the two-day event, participants will engage in discussions on energy transition, regional connectivity, sustainable hydropower, transitional fuels, nuclear technologies, climate resilience, and nature-based solutions.
Among the featured programmes are the ASEAN High-Level Roundtable on the ASEAN Power Grid, the Adopt-a-Tree initiative for biodiversity restoration, the Youth Pavilion, the Asian Youth Energy Awards, and a post-forum visit to the Batang Ai Hydroelectric Plant, which is celebrating 40 years of powering Sarawak.
Ibrahim stressed that sustainability goes beyond large-scale projects, highlighting the importance of local community initiatives and environmental stewardship.
“I look forward to the ideas and partnerships that will take shape from SAREF 4.0, driving a sustainable, connected, and prosperous energy future for Sarawak, Malaysia, ASEAN, and generations to come,” he said.
