KUCHING: Strengthening local talent through a dedicated university will support Sarawak’s low-carbon aspirations and future oil and gas industry needs.
Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) said developing local talent was essential to meeting the state’s long-term energy ambitions while supporting Sarawak’s aspiration for low-carbon development.
The chamber said Sarawak had long possessed the expertise needed to participate in the oil and gas industry, with local talent now being brought together under Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS).
“The local expertise has always been there. Only now do we see the talent being brought together under a local banner, PETROS.
“Might be a good time to commence University PETROS to address future talent shortfall,” the chamber told Sarawak Tribune.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg recently announced that PETROS had commenced onshore oil production at the Adong Kechil West (AKW) field near Marudi, with the field currently producing about 800 barrels of crude oil per day.
SCCI said the collaboration between PETROS and Petra Energy in the development demonstrated the state’s growing capability to lead and develop its own upstream oil and gas industry.
“There are many ‘firsts’ here, the most significant being the partnership between PETROS and Petra Energy, demonstrating our local talent and capabilities,” it said.
The chamber said the discovery could serve as a catalyst for downstream petrochemical development in the northern region while providing an initial boost to support the Sarawak Gas Roadmap.
It noted that onshore oil discoveries and development were significantly more cost-effective than offshore projects.
As such, the chamber said the discovery should excite all Sarawakians.
“This find will not only spur Miri to its past glory as an oil and gas town, but the development of a petrochemical industry will surpass this past glory and ultimately support the Premier’s vision of making Sarawak an ASEAN energy hub,” it said.
On another announcement by the Premier, SCCI welcomed the establishment of AirBorneo, describing it as a timely initiative that would strengthen Sarawak’s connectivity and support business growth.
It said connectivity was the lifeline of an island state such as Sarawak, adding that AirBorneo would provide travellers with greater choice and flexibility for international travel while helping to stabilise airfares and promote tourism and business activities.
The chamber noted that Sarawakians travelling overseas had long relied on transit points such as Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, making the import and export of time-sensitive goods difficult.
“AirBorneo can help solve this problem as direct shipment is now possible. Imagine being able to import fresh flowers from Vietnam or China and export fresh seafood from Sarawak,” it said.
On domestic connectivity, SCCI welcomed AirBorneo’s order for six new ATR aircraft, saying the move would improve the reliability of air services to rural communities.
