‘The whole world is looking at us (Sarawak) because we have the vision, and we want to translate our vision into action.’
Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg
ATTENDING the Future Energy Asia Strategic Summit 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand offered a comprehensive look into the future of renewable energy and the pivotal roles of leaders in this sector.
In this context, Sarawak’s efforts to develop and implement clean energy technologies stand out as a beacon of proactive environmental stewardship and strategic economic planning.
Reflecting on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s keynote address, participants gained valuable insights into how Sarawak is navigating this complex landscape and setting an example for the world.
His keynote address underscored a profound commitment to addressing the twin challenges of global warming and energy sustainability.
He highlighted Sarawak’s unique position, endowed with abundant natural resources, particularly hydrogen and hydroelectric power, which are crucial for reducing global heat levels.
“We have been fortunate to have traditional energy sources like oil and gas and later we started developing our renewable energy potentials to drive our ambition of turning Sarawak into a green economy in a concerted effort together with the rest of the world to address climate change.
“With our forests covering 62 per cent of our land, Sarawak is in a good position to be a strong player in contributing to reversing climate change,” he said.
Abang Johari’s vision for Sarawak is clear: to leverage these resources and adopt the latest technologies to produce clean energy that can replace the fossil fuels currently exacerbating climate change.
One of the most striking aspects of his keynote address was the emphasis on action over mere vision.
“The whole world is looking at us (Sarawak) because we have the vision, and we want to translate our vision into action.
What is important now is the execution action. If you have the vision, but you do not execute it, it remains just a vision,” he said.
This pragmatic approach is essential — having a vision is commendable, but without concrete steps to realise it, the vision remains an unfulfilled promise.
It is crucial to point out that Sarawak’s push for green economy is in line with global transition from coal and fossil fuel to clean and renewable.
This is enabling Sarawak to manage its economy sustainably while incorporating the latest technologies by prioritising clean energy.
Presently, Sarawak’s energy generation mix comprises 70 per cent hydropower and supplemented by a small percentage of natural gas and coal which is slated for a phasing-out.
“This actually places Sarawak ahead of the 2050 net zero or carbon neutrality target which means we are achieving carbon negativity well before the deadline,” Abang Johari said.
As such, this not only positions Sarawak ahead of global targets but also serves as a model for other regions.
Abang Johari also shared about Sarawak’s integration into the Asian energy grid, further illustrating the region’s leadership role.
By supplying green energy to neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, and Brunei, Sarawak is not only fostering regional cooperation but also contributing to a broader, transnational effort to mitigate climate change.
This regional connectivity or interconnection underscores a crucial point — addressing environmental challenges requires collective action and collaboration across borders.
Reflecting on Sarawak’s forward-thinking initiatives, it becomes evident that the state is not just passively relying on its natural resources but actively enhancing them through technology.
Earlier this month, Abang Johari made an announcement on how an aerospace faculty is set to be established at i-CATS university which aims to nurture the talents of Sarawakians for the burgeoning space industry.
He is confident in Sarawak’s strategic location just north of the equator, thus envisioning it as an ideal launching pad for aerospace industries.
Having identified how an intersection of energy and digital innovation would present ample opportunities, the state government has also initiated a collaboration with Sarawak Microelectronics Design (SMD) Semiconductor Sdn Bhd and a UK-based company to produce compound chips designed tailored for the aerospace industry.
In a world increasingly driven by data and AI, the need for green energy to power these technologies cannot be overstated.
Sarawak’s initiatives are thus strategically aligned with future economic and technological trends, ensuring the region’s competitiveness and sustainability.
Moreover, the Premier’s reflections on the historical evolution of the global economy — from the age of the steam engine to the fossil fuel era — provide a contextual backdrop for understanding today’s transition to clean energy.
This historical perspective is crucial as it reminds us that economic paradigms are not static but evolve in response to new challenges and innovations.
Sarawak’s current efforts can be seen as part of this ongoing evolution, a necessary shift towards sustainability driven by both environmental imperatives and economic opportunities.
Attending the Future Energy Asia Strategic Summit 2024 has reinforced my belief in the power of renewable energy and visionary leadership.
Sarawak’s achievements and Abang Johari’s respected leadership exemplify the transformative potential of a committed approach to sustainability.
The summit was a powerful reminder that with the right vision and collaborative efforts, a green future is not just a possibility but an impending reality.
As the world watches Sarawak, it becomes clear that the region is not just a passive participant in the global energy transition but a proactive leader, setting an example of how vision, when combined with decisive action, can lead to meaningful and lasting change.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
