BRISBANE: Leaders from Sarawak and Australia explored plans for new joint ventures focusing on the Malaysian state’s rich natural resources and its role in sustainable development.
The discussions highlighted the area’s abundant resources and increasing influence in the green economy and renewable energy sectors, marking an important step in enhancing collaboration with Australia.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is also Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development and Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment highlighted Sarawak’s wealth of natural resources, including its diverse flora and fauna, fertile land for agriculture, and significant deposits of minerals, petroleum, and natural gas.
“This presents opportunities for collaborations for both Australia and Sarawak including collaboration with CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) and its advanced facilities in scientific research and sustainable forest management,” he said in a statement.
He said this at a meeting during a courtesy visit to Deputy Premier of Queensland, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dickon at Deputy Premier of Queensland’s office on Tuesday (Aug 13).
“Sarawak has recently made notable progress in sustainability and has become a highly appealing investment destination in the heart of Southeast Asia,” he said.
According to the statement, the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) aims to transform Sarawak into a developed region by 2030, focusing on six economic sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, forestry, mining, and social services.
“Hence, Australian investors are particularly interested in Sarawak’s green economy projects, including hydrogen and green metals for electric vehicles.
“Sarawak is emerging as a leader in hydrogen economy development.
“Our hydropower provides a sustainable and affordable energy source for Sarawak to become a hydrogen hub as Sarawak is emerging as a leader in hydrogen economy development,” he said.
Additionally, this new economy offers investment opportunities including developing advanced electrolysers and fuel cells, creating sustainable storage solutions and transportation networks.
“In the Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) industry, Sarawak is at the forefront in Southeast Asia, having passed laws to support CCUS and related activities
“CCUS will enable low-cost low-carbon hydrogen production to support decarbonisation efforts,” he said.
In the aspect of forestry sector, Sarawak is embarking on the collaboration with Australia on Planted Forest activity including Forest Plantation Management, research and development.
Meanwhile, in the mining sector, Sarawak is concentrating on developing downstream mineral products and commodities, leveraging Australia’s expertise as a top global producer.
“Sarawak’s focus on green and sustainable initiatives is drawing investors to its renewable energy projects, which helps reduce carbon footprints,” he said.
On the social front, Australia is a top choice for Sarawakians, particularly for tourism and education and likewise, Sarawak is becoming increasingly popular with Australians.
“Two Australian universities, Curtin University and Swinburne University, have opened campuses in Sarawak, highlighting the growing appeal of Australian education,” he said.
For the record, the meeting was concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Australia Malaysia Business Council (AMBC) and the Sarawak Australia Business Chamber (SABC), aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investment.
Present were advisor to the Ministry for International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak Datuk Seri Mohd Naroden Majais, State Attorney-General Datuk Saferi Ali, permanent secretary for Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development (MUDeNR) Datuk Abdullah Julaihi, director of Forest Datuk Hamden Mohammad, controller of Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Jack Liam, Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) general manager Zainal Abidin, and Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran.
