OSAKA, Japan: Sarawak’s unique culture and economic potential took centre stage at the Malaysia Pavilion during World Expo Osaka 2025 as Sarawak Week officially opened under the expo’s theme, ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives’, which encourages global cooperation to build sustainable and inclusive futures.
The event was officiated by Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who represented Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“We are especially honoured that Sarawak Week coincides with ASEAN Day – a meaningful alignment of regional collaboration and global engagement.
“Since opening on April 13, the Malaysia Pavilion has welcomed over 2.2 million visitors, far surpassing the target of 1.5 million,” Awang Tengah said during the World Expo 2025 here today.
The event showcased Sarawak’s economic transformation, rich cultural heritage, and sustainability initiatives.
As the green heart of Borneo, Sarawak is emerging as Southeast Asia’s renewable energy hub.
Japan remains a key trading partner, with trade valued at RM31.6 billion in 2024 and Japanese investments in manufacturing reaching RM13.8 billion since 2011, creating over 4,000 jobs.
“Under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, Sarawak aims to become a high-income, developed state by the end of this decade, grounded in economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusivity,” he said.
The strategy focuses on six economic pillars: manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, forestry, mining including oil and gas, and services – all driven by innovation and sustainability.
Key projects include the Kota Petra Green Technology Park, a flagship smart city initiative aimed at attracting green tech investments.
“We are proud to be the first state in Malaysia to pass laws enabling Carbon Sequestration, Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS),” he added.
Awang Tengah also stressed Sarawak’s strategic location on Borneo Island, offering access to a fast-growing Asian market with nearly 60 per cent of the world’s population.
“Our clean, reliable, and affordable renewable energy – mainly from hydropower, solar, biomass and waste to energy – positions Sarawak among the most sustainable regions in Southeast Asia,” he said.
Sarawak offers a stable political climate, transparent governance, pro-business policies, and expanding connectivity.
“Our greatest strength is our people. Sarawak’s young, trainable workforce is ready to meet the demands of the future,” he said.
The week’s activities included business matching sessions and talks that sparked strong interest in green energy, smart manufacturing, tourism, and the digital economy.
Cultural showcases such as buriek weaving and sape music highlighted Sarawak’s heritage and attracted significant attention.
With 4.83 million tourist arrivals recorded in 2024, Sarawak continues to grow as a preferred destination, especially among Japanese travellers.
The event concluded with the signing of one Memorandum of Agreement and five Memoranda of Understanding between Sarawak and Japanese companies, covering manufacturing, renewable energy, tourism under the Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home programme, and bamboo forestry plantations.
Also in attendance were Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism Creative Industry and Performing Arts, and Minister for Youth Sports and Entrepreneur Development; Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, Deputy Minister for International Trade Industry and Investment; Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister for Tourism; Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, Deputy Minister for Youth Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (Entrepreneur Development); Datuk Ibrahim Baki, Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy Bhd and PETROS); Datuk Seri Mohd Naroden Majais, Adviser (SME) MINTRED; and Dzulkornain Masron, Permanent Secretary of MINTRED.
