KUCHING: Sarawak is intensifying efforts to emerge as a leading green investment and high-technology economic hub in ASEAN through the strengthening of strategic cooperation with Germany, particularly in the clean energy, semiconductor and digital economy sectors.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the German-Malaysian Business Forum reflects the strength of bilateral ties and the shared commitment towards shaping the future of industry, innovation and sustainable development.

According to him, Germany is known globally for its engineering excellence and advanced manufacturing, while Sarawak has vast natural resources and a clear development direction to emerge as a high-income economy based on innovation by 2030.

“We are facing global uncertainties involving geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and rising energy costs. However, these challenges also open up great opportunities for Sarawak to emerge as a stable, sustainable and competitive investment destination in the ASEAN region,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the 6th German-Malaysian Business Forum (GMBF) held at a leading hotel here on Wednesday.

The Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment said the state's economic transformation is driven through three main strategic sectors, namely the digital economy, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.

He said Sarawak is actively advancing its Industry 4.0 agenda through the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation and smart manufacturing technologies.

In the green energy sector, Sarawak is targeting a green energy capacity of 10 gigawatts by 2030 involving hydropower, hydrogen, bioenergy, waste-to-energy technology and sustainable aviation fuel.

"For the advanced manufacturing sector, Sarawak is focusing on high-value downstream activities including semiconductors, aerospace and new-generation technology," he said.

Datuk Amar Awang Tengah said the state’s development priorities are aligned with Germany’s industrial strengths, with Sarawak aspiring to play a role similar to Bavaria which serves as a key driver of industrial excellence in the European nation.

According to him, foreign investor confidence in Sarawak is also growing, with several German-linked companies such as X-FAB and Behn Meyer already establishing strong operations in the state.

He added that the implementation of the Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap 2030 is expected to attract RM2 billion in investments and create at least 3,000 high-skilled job opportunities.

At the same time, he also invited German companies to collaborate in hydrogen development in Bintulu, green transportation in Kuching, the digital economy, industrial automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), the circular economy and environmental solutions.

"Sarawak offers political stability, investor-friendly policies, competitive renewable energy and a clear and committed government administration.

"We have the resources and determination, while Germany has the technology and expertise. This combination can build a sustainable future that benefits both parties," he said. -UKASnews