KUCHING: Sarawak is set to implement four major pilot projects this year to accelerate the transformation of the Bintulu-Samalaju Industrial Corridor into a more competitive, innovative, and resilient low-carbon industrial hub.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said that the Bintulu Transitioning Industrial Clusters (TIC) initiative will serve as an integrated platform bringing together industries, the government, technology partners, and financial institutions under a unified action framework to accelerate industrial transformation within the corridor.

He added that the initiative also serves as one of the key catalysts for the implementation of Sarawak's Net Zero Carbon Strategy and Plan, which is currently being finalised to guide the state's overall decarbonisation direction.

"To translate aspirations into tangible action, we have identified four pilot projects to be launched this year. The first project will focus on Smart Manufacturing Operations by leveraging digital technologies, connectivity, and data-driven optimisation to enhance productivity and industrial efficiency across the development corridor.

"The second project is the Sarawak CCU-H2 Hub, which will explore large-scale carbon utilisation methods and hydrogen production to strengthen the commercial viability of both industries while accelerating decarbonisation efforts," he said.

He made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at the Launch of TIC Bintulu: Malaysia's First Cluster under the World Economic Forum, held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Thursday.

Meanwhile, he said the third project focuses on Industrial Symbiosis — an approach that enables companies to share resources, utilise industrial waste as new inputs, and improve efficiency through a more sustainable circular economy ecosystem.

At the same time, he explained, the fourth project is known as the Bintulu TIC Talent Initiative, which focuses on upskilling and retraining the workforce to meet the demands of future industries, including the digital sector, emerging technologies, and low-carbon industries.

"Because infrastructure and technology alone cannot transform an economy — it is people who do," he added.

In this regard, the Sarawak Premier stated that all four pilot projects will form the foundation of a long-term transformation that will elevate the Bintulu-Samalaju Corridor as one of the most competitive low-carbon industrial ecosystems in the Asian region. -UKASnews

Prepared by : Jonnie Kiew
Photographer : Muhd. Zulfadli
Translator : Uilson Ng