KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has been honoured with yet another prestigious accolade, receiving the Great Asean Distinguished Leadership Excellence Award last night (Aug 15).
The prestigious award from the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific and the Asean Economic Club was presented to Abang Johari by the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific chairman Tan Sri Majid Khan and institute president Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, during the Asean Entrepreneur Awards 2024 Gala Dinner in Kuala Lumpur.
The award is given in recognition of his leadership and initiatives in elevating Sarawak ahead of other states in Malaysia through several extraordinary initiatives.
In his speech, Abang Johari thanked the organisers for the award and emphasised the collective efforts of his colleagues, the people of Sarawak, and the civil service in guiding the state towards a prosperous future.
“This award is not a reflection of what I have done. I don’t know whether I deserve it. It is a collective effort of Sarawakians, my colleagues, as well as the civil service for providing me with the necessary input and direction to navigate Sarawak through the global challenges we face today.
“As we look to the future, Sarawak has the vision as the beating heart of East Asean, reflecting the new spirit of progress and cooperation that this award symbolises — not only for me but for the entire Asean region,” said Abang Johari.
Abang Johari also said Sarawak has the potential with vast natural resources that give Sarawak a strong foundation to become the regional hub for trade, investment, and connectivity in this dynamic part of Southeast Asean.
“This is why we are determined to transform our economy, including focusing on renewable energy, as Sarawak has long been known for its wealth of resources.”
He stressed that Sarawak’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) is based on three main pillars: economic prosperity, social inclusiveness, and sustainable environmental stability.
“This strategy is designed to transform Sarawak into a developed state with high income, where its people live in harmony and prosperity.
“Therefore, I am very honoured to receive this award and proud to be among such remarkable individuals,” he added.
Meanwhile, according to KSI Strategic Institute deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal Rawther, under Abang Johari’s leadership, Sarawak has made significant progress, including positioning the state as a leader in global energy transformation by emphasizing sustainability and green technology such as green hydrogen.
“In fact, Sarawak is also encouraging universities and higher education institutions to showcase their capabilities, in order to develop the potential of Sarawak’s future generations,” he said when announcing the award.
