KUCHING: The Sarawak Government continues to strengthen the development of the services industry as a new driver of the state's economic growth through strategic investments in infrastructure, transport, healthcare and human capital development.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said the approach not only enhances the state's competitiveness but also strengthens Sarawak's position as a preferred destination for investment, tourism and quality living.

According to him, the development undertaken by the state government aims to provide a world-class services ecosystem capable of meeting the needs of investors, the business community and visitors.

"We can only attract investment if we have first-class services infrastructure," he said when officiating the opening of Wisma Elica, voco Kuching by IHG and Care Collective, here on Tuesday.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari said the ongoing initiatives include the development of a hydrogen-based Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system as well as the rebranding of MASwings to AirBorneo, aimed at strengthening Sarawak's land and air connectivity.

He said the efforts are expected to boost Sarawak's appeal to tourists and investors, thereby supporting the growth of the tourism and services industries.

At the same time, the Sarawak Premier said the state government is also strengthening the healthcare ecosystem through the construction of several modern hospitals as well as the expansion of existing health facilities to support the growth of the health tourism sector.

He said the state government will continue to reinvest Sarawak's revenue in developing strategic infrastructure, including road networks, water supply, energy and health facilities, to ensure the state's development remains sustainable.

He added that the increase in state revenue has enabled various investments to be carried out, including the provision of free tertiary education for Sarawakian children to produce highly skilled human capital to meet future economic needs.

Earlier, he officiated the launch of Wisma Elica, which houses voco Kuching, Malaysia's first hotel under the voco by IHG Hotels & Resorts brand, as well as Care Collective, the largest integrated retirement community in Sarawak.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, who is also Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Dato Sri Nancy Shukri, Managing Director of Elica Equity Sdn Bhd, Dato' Bobby Ting Sie Ching, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Nur Nabilla
Photos: Ameerul Syafiq Khir & Ibanez Jeffery Guang
Translator: Uilson Ng