BANGKOK: Sarawak continues to strengthen its position in the regional and global energy landscape through Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg’s participation in the Bangkok Dialogue 2026: Ministerial and Industry Dialogue held in conjunction with GASTECH 2026 here on Monday.

The engagement provides Sarawak with an opportunity to bring its perspectives and aspirations to strategic discussions on the future of energy encompassing supply security, affordability, industrial development and the transition towards low-carbon energy.

Organised by Thailand Minister of Energy, the dialogue brings together energy ministers, heads of international energy institutions as well as industry and financial sector leaders from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas and Australasia.

Discussions focus on efforts to secure energy supply, strengthen international cooperation, reduce carbon emissions and enhance the resilience of energy systems amid changes in the global energy landscape.

The dialogue also takes into account developments in global energy investment which reached US$3.3 trillion in 2025, while more than 80 per cent of growth in energy demand is expected to come from emerging and developing economies.

Among the key challenges highlighted are the gap between government policies and the industry’s ability to implement them, as well as approval and permitting processes, fiscal uncertainty, contractual risks and the impact of geopolitical tensions on energy supply chains.

Sarawak’s involvement in the international platform also broadens opportunities for cooperation and the exchange of views with key players in the global energy sector, in line with the state’s efforts to develop a resilient, competitive and sustainable energy sector.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni and Sarawak Petchem Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dato Mohammad Ibrahim. -UKASnews