KUCHING: Two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been exchanged during the Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum 4.0 (SAREF 4.0) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching here today (Sept 3).
The first MoU was exchanged between the Brunei Darussalam government and Sarawak government to strengthen collaboration in the energy sector.
The exchange was witnessed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, with Deputy Minister (Energy) at Brunei’s Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Mohamad Azmi Haji Mohd Hanifah representing Brunei, and Datuk Ibrahim Baki representing Sarawak.
The agreement covers capacity building, knowledge sharing, joint research, exploration and development, as well as cooperation in energy policy and other mutually beneficial initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth.
The second MoU was formalised between Sarawak Energy and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to advance cross-border electrical connectivity.
The exchange was witnessed by Abang Johari and British High Commissioner to Malaysia Ajay Sharma.
Sarawak Energy Group chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Sharbini Suhaili and ADB Energy director Keiju Mitsuhashi exchanged the MoUs on behalf of their respective organisations.
The collaboration will focus on technical studies, feasibility assessments, capacity building and funding opportunities to enhance Sarawak’s interconnection capabilities. It is also expected to support wider regional energy cooperation, including the Sarawak–Singapore Interconnection Project.
The partnership will receive backing from the ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility (ACGF), managed by ADB, with financial support from the UK Government for several technical studies.
At the same event, Abang Johari also witnessed the presentation of the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS) certification for Bakun Hydroelectric Dam, making it the largest dam in Southeast Asia to attain the prestigious global recognition.
