Sarawak gears up to be Asean aerospace hub, plans industrial park
Awang Tengah said the development of Aerospace Industrial Park will support high-value aerospace manufacturing, aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, and sustainable aviation fuel research. – Bernama file photo KUCHING (May 28): Sarawak is gearing up to become a competitive aerospace hub in the Asean region with plans to establish an Aerospace Industrial Park. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the development of this industrial park will support high-value aerospace manufacturing, aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, and sustainable aviation fuel research. “We are partnering with Airbus to expand the aerospace industry, create high-value job opportunities and attract foreign investment,” he said in is ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting today. Awang Tengah, who is International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister, said the global aerospace industry is projected to broaden in 2025, accelerated by technological advancements, sustainability initiatives and increasing air demand. “As industry continues to evolve, Sarawak is actively developing our aerospace capabilities, focusing on aviation, space technology and satellite launch potential.” He said the newly established Sarawak Aerospace Advisory Council will spearhead aerospace industry development by enhancing education, workforce training and forging global partnerships to drive future investment and accelerate industry growth. “With a strong emphasis on talent development, Sarawak has launched the Aerospace Academy at the Centre of Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) Lundu and i-CATS University College’s Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, equipping future professionals with hands-on expertise and globally recognised qualifications,” he added. On another matter, Awang Tengah said Sarawak is emerging as a regional leader in Southeast Asia’s hydrogen economy, leveraging strategic investment opportunities through the Sarawak Green hydrogen hub in Bintulu and the upcoming hub in Kuching. “These integrated facilities operate on a ‘plug-and-play’ model, enabling multiple investors to co-locate hydrogen projects without requiring standalone infrastructure. “This approach optimises efficiency, reduces costs and accelerates hydrogen deployment, attracting global investors to Sarawak’s hydrogen ecosystem.” He said SEDC Energy and clean energy solutions provider Gentari continue to advance the Sarawak Green Hydrogen Hub, with plans for a joint venture company to develop centralised investor facilities. “The hub is currently in its Scope Development and Engineering phase. Meanwhile, flagship projects H2ornbill and H2biscus are progressing toward Front-End-Engineering-Design completion by year-end. “Malaysia and Japan have also reaffirmed their commitment to hydrogen collaboration, solidifying Sarawak’s leadership,” he said. He said the Distribution of Gas Ordinance was amended in November 2024 to ensure safe, responsible and structured development of hydrogen activities. “This milestone legislation, which came into force in March 2025, reinforces investor confidence and ensures the sustainable growth of Sarawak’s hydrogen economy,” said Awang Tengah. Source
Bintulu Port takeover in final stages as Sarawak advances Port Master Plan
Uggah says Sarawak has a transformational vision in the development of its ports through the Sarawak Port Master Plan. — Bernama photo KUCHING (May 28): The takeover of Bintulu Port from federal jurisdiction to Sarawak is currently in the final stages of negotiations and the transfer is expected to take place this year, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. He said, with the approval of the Sarawak Port Authority Ordinance in May 2024, the Sarawak government is now moving towards the operation of a single port authority, the Sarawak Port Authority, which will have regulatory jurisdiction over all port activities in Sarawak. “At the same time, the process of corporatising the existing port authorities to successor companies at each port to manage port assets and operations is being implemented jointly with the State Financial Secretary’s Office. “This process is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025,” said the State Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development in his winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting here, today. Apart from that, he also informed that for the Tanjung Embang Deep Sea Port, a technical and economic feasibility study is currently underway. “The study includes site investigation, bathymetric survey, tidal observation, ocean current measurement, soil study, and environmental impact assessment. “This assessment is important to determine the port design, engineering parameters, long-term sustainability and financial viability of the development,” he said. He said Sarawak has a transformational vision in the development of its ports through the Sarawak Port Master Plan. He said it is not just a transit point but a powerful engine of economic growth, enabling Sarawak to become a major gateway to Borneo, the region and the world, and driving the aspirations of our people. “In essence, the Sarawak Port Master Plan is the first historic transformation initiative that positions Sarawak as a major player in global trade and logistics. “It is not just a development plan, but a major change in the direction of Sarawak’s economy, laying the foundation for sustainable growth that goes beyond dependence on natural resources,” he said. He said by strengthening the state’s port infrastructure and connectivity, it is opening up new opportunities for businesses, empowering local industries and opening Sarawak to the world.
