KUCHING: Sarawak is keen to strengthen its collaboration with China across areas such as education, clean energy, and cultural exchange, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He expressed confidence that the partnership between Malaysia, Sarawak, and China would continue to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of people and the challenges of the times.
“Education is an area with boundless potential for deepened collaboration. China’s universities rank among the world’s best, and each year more Malaysian and Sarawakian students return from studying in China with new perspectives, skills, and ideas that strengthen our communities.
“As we look forward, we are eager to expand these academic exchanges, foster research collaboration, and prepare a new generation of Sarawakians to thrive in a globalised world,” he said.
His speech was read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at a gala dinner held on Friday night at the Hilton Hotel here, celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.
Abang Johari also highlighted clean energy as another promising area for collaboration to address climate change.
“Sarawak looks forward to exploring new pathways with China toward a sustainable future, including hydropower, solar energy, and carbon capture and storage,” he added.
He also stressed on the importance of cultural exchanges, saying that arts, music, festivals, and heritage play a key role in building trust and understanding between societies.
“Cultural diplomacy builds trust, understanding, and joy. We look forward to deepening the cultural exchanges that enrich both our societies and nurture the bonds of friendship between us,” he said.
Earlier in the event, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed to establish the ‘Borneo-China Friendship Alliance’ (BCFA). This alliance aims to promote friendly exchange and cooperation between Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei, and Kalimantan, Indonesia.
The BCFA will serve as a cooperative platform for inclusive and strategic partnerships in areas such as economy, technology, and culture.
The MoU was signed by Sarawak-China Friendship Association (SFCA) president Datuk Wee Kok Tiong, Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah (MCFAS) founder and president Dr Oh Ei Sun, Brunei-China Friendship Association (BCFA) president Dr Muhammad Firdaus Abdul Rahman, and Kalimantan-Tiongkok Friendship Association (KTFA) president Oktavia SE; witnessed by Dr Sim.
Also present were Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy State Secretary (Operation) Datuk Hii Chang Kee, acting Consul General of China in Kuching Song Changhong, SFCA advisors Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong and Lee Khoi Yun.
