MANILA: Strategic cooperation with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is crucial in supporting Sarawak’s efforts to realise large-scale development projects, particularly in the energy, technology and low-carbon sectors.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the cooperation enables new ideas and technologies to be translated into viable projects through access to expertise, technology and competitive financing.

According to him, the implementation of large-scale projects is no easy task as it requires careful planning, stakeholder confidence as well as solutions to address cost and financing aspects.

“When we implement new ideas, it’s not easy. We have to convince the stakeholders, and then the next question is cost,” he said during a Fireside Chat with ADB at the Multifunction Hall, ADB Headquarters here on Tuesday.

He further explained that continuous cooperation with ADB is important to ensure projects undertaken are built on sound economic and technological foundations while remaining financially viable.

In charting its development direction, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari said Sarawak is becoming increasingly discerning in the industries it seeks to attract, taking into account the added value to the state’s economy.

Citing the data centre industry as an example, he said such investments should be assessed not merely by their investment value, but also in terms of employment opportunities, energy consumption and long-term technological resilience.

"Data centres are just like warehouses that store data. I don’t think there are many opportunities in terms of job creation,” he said.

He added that Sarawak must focus on future industries that have the potential for technological development, rather than those driven solely by present-day needs.

Present at the session were Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony, ADB Vice President (Market Solutions) Bhargav Dasgupta, Southeast Asia Regional Department (SERD) Director-General Nianshan Zhang, Acting Sarawak Secretary Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar and Sarawak Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy & PETROS) Datuk Ibrahim Baki.

Also present were Sarawak Economic Planning Unit (EPU) Director Datu Ir Ts Awang Mohammad Fadillah Awang Redzuan, Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS) Chief Executive Officer Datu Laura Lee Ngien Hion, Director of Sarawak Climate and Energy Diplomacy Unit Ir Dr Angelia Liew San Chuin, Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) Chief Financial Officer Mohd Azha Abdul Jalil and other dignitaries.

The Fireside Chat session, themed ‘Powering ASEAN’s Sustainable Future: Sarawak’s Role in Energy, Connectivity, and Green Growth’, formed part of the Sarawak Premier’s official working visit to ADB Headquarters which also included meetings with ADB President Masato Kanda and the ADB Board. -UKASnews