KUCHING: A new Sarawak-linked joint venture between Saint-Gobain and Flinken Group is set to strengthen the state’s position in sustainable construction and green innovation.
Facilitated by the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore, the agreement was formalised during a signing ceremony held at the STATOS Gallery in Singapore on Friday (Apr 10).
STATOS chief executive officer Chew Chang Guan said the collaboration reflects the type of high-impact investment the office aims to attract into Sarawak.
He noted that the partnership brings together global expertise and local manufacturing strength, creating opportunities to generate economic value while developing local talent.
The joint venture, known as Saint-Gobain Flinken, will focus on meeting rising demand for light and efficient construction materials across Malaysia and the Southeast Asian region.
It will be supported by phased capital investments into manufacturing upgrades and logistics infrastructure in Sarawak, including plans for a dedicated logistics hub to enhance warehousing, distribution efficiency and regional connectivity.
Saint-Gobain Malaysia and Singapore chief executive officer Lynette Siow said the collaboration comes at a time when sustainability and innovation are reshaping the construction sector.
“The joint venture underscores our confidence in Malaysia’s long-term growth and the industry’s readiness for stronger decarbonisation and efficiency standards,” she said.
Meanwhile, Flinken Group founder Marcus Chai described the partnership as a significant milestone for the Sarawak-grown company as it enters its next phase of expansion.
“This collaboration will allow us to scale our capabilities while contributing to the development of Malaysia’s building materials industry,” he said.
The initiative is also expected to introduce advanced production technologies and new product lines, while creating employment opportunities and structured training programmes for local talent.
Beyond industrial growth, the collaboration will support research and development, knowledge transfer, and community engagement, including efforts to advance green building practices and innovation suited to tropical climates.
It aligns with Sarawak’s broader sustainability agenda under its 2030 development blueprint, particularly in advancing green building initiatives and smart city development.
The collaboration further underscores STATOS’ role as a gateway for foreign direct investment, connecting global industry players with Sarawak’s emerging economic opportunities.
