KUCHING: Water security is now among the most critical issues at the global level, requiring cross-border cooperation, innovation and collective action to ensure sustainable development and economic resilience.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said climate change, rapid urbanisation, population growth and rising demand for water continue to place pressure on water supply systems around the world.

He said water is no longer merely an environmental issue, but has become fundamental to economic resilience, global security and sustainable development.

"These challenges call for stronger cooperation, bold innovation and collective action, and the Borneo International Water & Wastewater Exhibition & Conference (BIWWEC) 2026 stands as one of the key regional platforms for this purpose.

"BIWWEC brings together policymakers, industry practitioners, researchers, industry leaders and exhibitors to exchange knowledge, strengthen cooperation and translate ideas into practical solutions for a more resilient and sustainable water sector in the future," he said.

He said this when officiating the BIWWEC 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, in his welcoming remarks, said water must now be viewed as a strategic resource that underpins public health, economic development, environmental sustainability and community wellbeing.

He said BIWWEC 2026, themed 'Global Partnership for a Climate-Ready Water Future', serves as an important platform bringing together governments, utility companies, industry players, researchers and communities to strengthen cooperation in addressing water security challenges.

He said Sarawak is also actively positioning Kuching as a regional hub for water innovation, sustainability and knowledge exchange, in line with the state's success in securing the hosting rights for the International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress & Exhibition 2028.

"To realise a climate-ready future for the water sector, we need cross-border cooperation involving government, industry, educational institutions, development partners and the community to produce practical and sustainable solutions.

"Over the coming days, delegates will take part in technical conferences, technology exhibitions, knowledge-sharing sessions and networking programmes showcasing innovative solutions and best practices from the region and around the world.

"BIWWEC is a platform that connects ideas to cooperation, and cooperation to meaningful action," he explained.

Also present were Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Ministers for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Liwan Lagang and Dato Ibrahim Baki, a line-up of Sarawak Deputy Ministers, heads of department and other guests of honour. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photos: Shahril Haqim
Translator: Uilson Ng