KUCHING: Sarawak continues to strengthen its position as a leader in green energy and sustainable development by establishing strategic cooperation with the United Kingdom (UK) in the fields of renewable energy, digital transformation, advanced manufacturing and talent development.

Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said Sarawak is now on a strong foundation to play an important role in global efforts to address climate change and ensure energy security through various initiatives being implemented.

According to a statement, he presented Sarawak's agenda relating to renewable energy, environmental sustainability policies, decarbonisation, development of green hydrogen and Low Carbon Hubs, the Sarawak Transitioning Industrial Cluster (TIC) initiative as well as various efforts in line with global actions to mitigate the effects of climate change and strengthen energy security.

He noted that as a state rich in energy resources and petrochemical industries, Sarawak is strategically positioned to support the global energy transition through the development of renewable energy, decarbonisation efforts and the implementation of green technology.

Datuk Dr Hazland also shared that Sarawak currently exports energy to Kalimantan and Sabah, while in the future the electricity supply will be extended to Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia via submarine high voltage (HV) cables.

“In addition, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed between state-owned enterprises (SOEs), the private sector and strategic partners from the UK involving advanced manufacturing, smart cities and education,” it said on Thursday.

The UK delegation was led by the UK Prime Minister's Special Envoy to ASEAN Naz Shah, together with Board Member and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Unitas Atlantic Council Muddassar Ahmed and Unitas Director Dr Hassan Abdein.

Also present were Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) CEO Professor Dr Patrick Then and his management team.

From the UK perspective, Naz Shah shared her views on efforts to strengthen economic and trade relations with Sarawak, particularly in the areas of green economy and digital transformation.

She also highlighted the potential for UK investment in Sarawak, as well as encouraging cooperation in the academic field and expressing the UK's continued commitment to deepening strategic relations with Sarawak. -UKASnews