KUCHING: The Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) is urged to play a proactive role in tapping opportunities from growing investor interest in renewable energy projects.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak has attracted strong interest in solar, hydrogen, and clean-gas–based ventures, including proposals from the Middle East and China.
He stressed that delivering these projects requires a deep and reliable supply chain.
“And that is why the SBF has to look into the opportunities arising from this investment.
“I would like the private sector to play a part, engage with them, and identify what are the support benefits you can give to this renewable.
“We are engaging with world experts on how to move technology forward, complementing what we have,” he said when officiating at the Premier of Sarawak Industry Excellence Award (PSIEA) here last night (Oct 4).
Abang Johari said his recent delegation to the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) had led to the formation of a joint task force with international experts to frame Sarawak’s approach under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
He stressed that Sarawak’s advantage lies in its natural capital and strategic geographical location, which must be complemented by strong human capital.
“Our resources are there, but what is lacking is human capital.
“Being experts in economics, they expressed the view that we are in the tropics, within an area that is progressing towards middle-class society, particularly ASEAN and East Asia,” he said.
The Premier noted that the state government has taken steps to provide free tertiary education at Sarawak-owned universities to ensure a highly educated workforce that can support future industries.
He said this initiative would prepare Sarawakians to embrace advanced industries and new technologies.
He also emphasised the importance for Sarawak to command technology, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI), which he described as both an opportunity and a risk.
“When you talk about technology of the future, you talk about AI. The merit of AI is that it helps you find solutions and upgrade your skills in managing issues such as marketing and access.
“The demerit is when AI is misused to distort information and disturb the capability of target groups.
“Once this creeps into the ecosystem, the objective of progressing forward positively will be affected.
“In other words, if Sarawak can adopt and command that technology, energy will remain our main export and become an engine of economic growth, including for the state itself,” he added.
