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KUCHING, 28 February 2025 – Sarawak is moving forward boldly, ready to become a leader in ASEAN’s green energy and digital economy transformation. This clear message was delivered by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg at the ASEAN Sarawak Business & Economic Forum 2025 held at Riverside Majestic Hotel, Kuching.
With Malaysia taking over the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, Sarawak’s role is even more important. The state is pushing hard to lead in renewable energy, hydrogen production, digital trade, and sustainable agriculture.
Green Energy Powerhouse
Sarawak already produces over 70% of its electricity from hydropower, making it Malaysia’s clean energy champion. Premier Abang Johari announced that by 2030, Sarawak’s power capacity will reach 10GW and will grow to 15GW by 2035. This positions Sarawak as ASEAN’s Clean Energy Hub.
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Sarawak also launched Malaysia’s first large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in December 2024. This system helps keep the electricity supply stable and energy-efficient. Sarawak is also working with Brunei to export 30-50MW of power and preparing for a big power export deal to Singapore.
Hydrogen & Carbon Innovation
Sarawak is leading ASEAN’s hydrogen economy. The state’s hydrogen production and export plans will supply green hydrogen to both regional and global markets. On top of that, Sarawak is advancing carbon capture and storage (CCS) through the Kasawari CCS project, which will trap 3.3 million tonnes of CO₂ every year—one of the biggest CCS projects in the world.
Digital Economy Transformation
Under the Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, Sarawak is investing over RM1 billion to build strong digital infrastructure. This includes AI Innovation Hubs, 5G rollout, blockchain solutions, and fintech innovation. By 2030, Sarawak aims for its digital economy to contribute RM56.4 billion, or 20% of its GDP.
Aerospace and Smart Farming
Sarawak is also looking at the skies, developing the Aerospace Academy at CENTEXS in Lundu and the Aerospace Industrial Park to attract high-tech investments. Meanwhile, agriculture is going high-tech with precision farming, AI crop monitoring, and smart irrigation—all helping Sarawak secure its place as a regional agricultural hub.
Tourism, Trade & Investments
Sarawak is also becoming a medical tourism hotspot, welcoming 4.8 million tourists in 2024 and earning RM12 billion in revenue. With new private hospitals and Gleneagles Hospital Kuching opening soon, medical tourism is set to grow further.
Abang Johari ended his speech by inviting global investors and businesses to tap into Sarawak’s many opportunities. “Sarawak is open for business, with a clear plan and stable environment for your investments,” he said. – Sarawakku