KUCHING: Four key sectors — renewable energy, semiconductors, human capital development, and aerospace — have been identified as Sarawak's strategic priorities as the state charts its economic direction beyond 2030.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, stated that the five-year period leading up to 2030 is a critical phase. He emphasised that ensuring the effective implementation of the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) is essential to provide a solid foundation for subsequent planning.

"We are now looking ahead to the post-2030 era. With 2030 only five years away, this is the time for us to deliver on our current PCDS 2030 policies while simultaneously determining our next steps for the future," he said.

The Premier was delivering his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Sarawak Business & Economic Forum (ASBEF) 2026 in Kuching on Thursday.

Elaborating on the identified sectors, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari said that within renewable energy, Sarawak will continue to develop hydroelectric dams, cascading dams, biomass, solar power, and low-carbon hydrogen to ensure a stable and sustainable long-term energy supply.

Regarding the semiconductor sector, he noted that the focus is on the development of chips and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. The goal is to transition Sarawak from being a mere consumer to a creator of technological innovation.

The Premier added that human capital development remains a core focus. This is being addressed through the provision of free higher education at Sarawak Government-owned universities, covering 64 science-based programmes—including law, medicine, finance, and psychology—to prepare the younger generation for the new economy.

Meanwhile, the aerospace sector will emphasise the development of satellites and cost-effective data storage systems. These initiatives aim to strengthen data sovereignty and support high-technology industries and the state's digital economy.

Also in attendance were Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Chairman of the ASEAN Economic Club and President of the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, and President of the ASEAN Business Club (ABC), who is also Chairman of CARI ASEAN Research and Advocacy and Chairman of the Malaysian Institute of Capital Markets Research (ICMR) Tan Sri Dr Munir Majid. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Nur Nabilla
Photo: Ibanez Jeffery Guang
Translator: Ryan Lim