SINGAPORE: The strategic collaboration between the Sarawak Government and Singapore in developing a cross-border green energy corridor is strengthening the state’s position as a regional green energy hub.

Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said through strong regional ties, Sarawak is moving forward together in building a sustainable and interconnected Southeast Asia.

According to him, Sarawak has long carried the bold vision of becoming the ‘Battery of ASEAN’ by harnessing renewable energy resources to power a cleaner future for the region.

“Today, that vision is no longer merely an aspiration. In one of the early implementations of the ASEAN Power Grid, we are developing a green energy corridor linking two regions.

“This regional interconnection allows clean electricity to flow across borders,” he explained while delivering a keynote address titled ‘Sarawak and the Region: A Green Economy Being Built in Real Time’ during the Philanthropy Asia Summit 2026 held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands on Monday.

He added that the collaboration goes beyond energy transactions alone, instead forming shared infrastructure with long-term strategic value.

“The commercial frameworks, policy architecture and technical foundations are all being developed. This is an energy supply connection built between two economies that understand the importance of energy security and the transition towards net zero.

“I see this not merely as a transaction, but as shared infrastructure. What we are building together, namely grid connectivity, certification systems and trust, carries value that goes beyond any single energy agreement,” he added.

According to him, the collaboration with Singapore serves as a strong model for green economic relations in Southeast Asia and will pave the way for deeper cooperation across various emerging sectors in the future.

Meanwhile, the Sarawak Premier stressed that philanthropy today is no longer measured solely through charitable contributions, but through its ability to drive long-term change, support innovation, strengthen institutions and accelerate solutions that may otherwise take longer to gain support from the market alone.

In Sarawak, he said, this includes strengthening the ecosystem needed for sustainable transformation, from research and talent development to clean technology, community resilience and low-carbon industries.

“Ultimately, our goal is balanced and inclusive growth, where government, industry, academia and the philanthropic sector work together to build a more sustainable and resilient future,” he said.

Earlier, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari took time to have breakfast with Singapore Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng.

The occasion provided an opportunity for both leaders to exchange views on various matters aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation between Sarawak and Singapore.

After that, the Premier of Sarawak held two high-level meetings with Temasek and Equatic Inc.

The Temasek delegation was led by its Chief Executive Officer Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara alongside the company’s senior leadership team.

Meanwhile, the Equatic Inc. delegation was represented by its Founder and Chief Technology Officer Gaurav Sant and company board member Ryan Tan.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari later had lunch with Chief Executive Officer of Temasek Trust Desmond Kuek together with the company’s senior leadership team. -UKASnews