Sarawak Committed To Become Global Leader In Green Economy

SIBU, May 13 (Bernama) -- Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to positioning itself as a global leader in the green economy, leveraging its rich natural resources and strategic focus on clean energy innovation.

Speaking at the Rimbunan Hijau (RH) Group’s 50th anniversary dinner, here, tonight, Abang Johari said that Sarawak's green economy potential was recognised during a recent high-level engagement with economists and senior management at the London School of Economics (LSE).

“The professors at LSE highlighted that we are fortunate in our part of the world, because we possess what they call ‘natural capital’. This includes our undisturbed forests, our potential in hydrogen as a clean energy source, and a population which can be trained and empowered.

According to him, the concept of natural capital, which is increasingly recognised in global economic discourse, refers to nature-based assets, such as forests, water and biodiversity, which are essential for sustainable development.

He added that Sarawak’s development strategy combines this natural wealth with a strong emphasis on human capital development and innovation. 

“With our natural assets, our commitment to nurturing human capital, and our drive for innovation and entrepreneurship, Sarawak is poised to become a major player in the regional economic ecosystem,” he added.

Sarawak is transitioning from a digital to a green economy, leveraging renewable energy and digital technology to drive economic transformation, he said.

He also highlighted hydrogen, derived from Sarawak’s water resources, as a clean energy focus, to position the state as a green energy hub in Asia, through ASEAN.

However, he stressed that human capital remains central to this transition, with training Sarawakians crucial to driving the state’s green energy economy forward.

Also present at the event was RH Group managing director Datuk Tiong Thai King.

-- BERNAMA