InvestSarawak, Toyo ink MoU to advance state govt’s energy transition agenda
KUCHING (April 22): InvestSarawak and Toyo Engineering Corporation, along with its subsidiary Toyo Engineering & Construction Sdn Bhd, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today in a move to advance the Sarawak government’s energy transition agenda. This strategic collaboration aims to help Toyo explore and facilitate potential investment projects in Sarawak in alignment with the company’s energy transition strategies, according to a press release. The MoU outlined the commitment of both parties in establishing a cooperative framework that will foster collaboration on potential energy projects critical to the state government’s energy transition initiatives. Toyo expressed its readiness to assist in the development of value chain planning services essential for realising these initiatives. Such initiatives include developing green hydrogen projects, carbon capture and storage (CCS), waste-to-energy projects that convert organic waste materials into energy, energy storage solutions such as battery storage or pumped hydro storage, and smart grid technology to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the electrical grid. InvestSarawak chief executive officer Timothy Ong said the partnership with Toyo is a testament to Sarawak’s commitment to embracing clean and sustainable energy sources that will propel the state’s economic and social development forward. “This collaboration will leverage Toyo’s global insights and technological advancements to enhance our local capabilities,” he said. Toyo Engineering Corporation senior executive officer and unit director of the Business Development and Marketing Unit Casey Takeshi Matsumuro said: “We are honoured to support Sarawak’s ambitious energy goals. “This collaboration allows us to bring our expertise and technology to the forefront of Sarawak’s energy landscape, aligning with our mission to contribute to sustainable growth globally.” Under the purview of the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment, InvestSarawak serves as the one stop centre dedicated to attracting investments that align with Sarawak’s vision for 2030 for sustainability and growth. Toyo, with its track record and expertise in engineering, procurement, construction, and technical services across various sectors, including oil and gas, petrochemicals, and renewable energy, brings its global experience and innovative technologies to this partnership. With 87 ammonia plants and over 48 ammonia storage tanks globally, the corporation is positioned to contribute significantly towards sustainable energy solutions in Sarawak. The partnership is expected to not only support the transition to renewable energy in Sarawak but also stimulate local employment and technological development, marking a significant milestone in the region’s economic landscape.
SEDC Energy, MOBILUS partner up to fuel autonomous rapid transit system with hydrogen
By Dayak Daily Team KUCHING, April 26: SEDC Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MOBILUS Sdn Bhd (MOBILUS) and EPR Mobilus Global Rail JV SDN BHD (EMGJV) to supply hydrogen for the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system. This collaboration, according to a media release today, aligns with the Sarawak government’s vision to promote the use of new and clean energy for urban publictransportation, particularly within the framework of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project. The adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology for ART contributes to KUTS’ goal of reducing urban traffic congestion and stimulating productivity and economic growth. Within the KUTS project, MOBILUS Sdn Bhd is responsible for the design, engineering, comprehensive testing, and commissioning of the ART system, while SEDCE will supply hydrogen to power the ART vehicles. SEDCE is actively participating in the energy transition towards a sustainable future, in line with the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). Through innovative energy solutions and strategic partnerships, SEDCE aims to foster economic growth and environmental sustainability. Robert emphasised the significance of KUTS’ success in delivering cleaner transportation for the community and Sarawak, marking a proud achievement for SEDCE in advancing clean energy initiatives. “This is another proud moment for SEDCE in the new and clean energy in Sarawak. Our efforts today, despite challenges, will define tomorrow and the generations to come,” he said in the statement.Lai expressed confident that the collaboration’s ability to enhance testing and commissioning efforts for KUTS while also driving future advancements in hydrogen technology within the region. “Together, we are proud to be at the forefront of innovation, driving positive change and shaping the future of urban transportation in Sarawak, Malaysia and beyond,” she remarked. Earlier this year, on Feb 26, SEDCE signed a MoU with Sarawak Metro, the implementing body of KUTS. Under this agreement, SEDCE assumes responsibility for the development, construction, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of the Rembus H2 plant and refueling facility, along with related products and materials for the ART system. – DayakDaily
Swedish businesses invited to venture into Sarawak’s forest plantation and wood-based industries
KUCHING, April 29 — Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan recently held a networking session with Business Sweden, an agency promoting Swedish companies to grow in the global market and for foreign direct investors to expand business in Sweden. Awang Tengah extended an invitation to the Swedish business community to venture into Sarawak’s forestry, forest plantation and wood-based industries. He pointed out that Sarawak is moving towards a sustainable and renewable wood-based industry utilising material from forest plantations to produce engineered wood, biomass fuels, pulp and paper. “Sarawak has a geographical advantage as it is located near to large market with high growth rate such as China, Japan, India, Korea and Australia,” he said in a press release issued by his office. Awang Tengah, who is also Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment, had led a Sarawak delegation on a two-day working visit to Sweden which began last Thursday. According to the press release, Business Sweden sees potential opportunities to consider in Sarawak in areas like research and innovation, digital application in forest management, forest industries for wood structure constructions, and human capital development. It said Business Sweden in collaboration with the industries and agencies will continue to engage in dialogues with Sarawak to identify areas of common interest to be considered and implemented in the future. Meanwhile, Awang Tengah at the meeting was briefed by the Swedish Forest Agency, Swedish Wood Building Council, Ecco Innovation Foundation, and Swedish pulp and paper manufacturer Billerud on matters pertaining to the development of forest industries in Sweden. The Deputy Premier and the Sarawak delegation were told about the use of engineered wood to construct timber structures, collaboration by Ecco Innovation Foundation in other countries in Southeast Asia, and pulp and paper industry. At the same session, Sarawak Planted Forest Sdn Bhd general manager Paul Valentine gave a briefing on the overview development status of planted forest in Sarawak and opportunities for future collaborations and investments for the Swedish business communities. These opportunities are in digital technology, mechanisation for planted forest harvesting, and production of high value-added products such as pulp, paper, engineered wood and biomass fuel, said the release. — The Borneo Post
Sarawak commits to renewable energy leadership, seeks international collaboration
BANGKOK: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has underscored Sarawak’s commitment to harnessing and maximising its renewable energy resources through international collaboration and technological learning. Stating how Sarawak is blessed with natural resources that can generate renewable energy, he said the Sarawak government is actively seeking solutions through the latest technology to add value to these resources. “The whole world is looking at us (Sarawak) because we have the vision, and we want to translate our vision into action. “What is important now is the execution action. If you have the vision, but you do not execute it, it remains just a vision.” Abang Johari made these remarks during a press conference after delivering his keynote address at the Future Energy Asia Strategic Summit 2024. He said Sarawak’s push for green economy is in line with global transition from coal and fossil fuel to clean and renewable energy. He added that Sarawak can manage its economy sustainably while incorporating the latest technologies by prioritising clean energy. “Sarawak’s energy generation mix comprises 70 per cent hydropower and supplemented by a small percentage of natural gas and coal which is slated for phase-out. “This actually places Sarawak ahead of the 2050 net zero or carbon neutrality target which means we are achieving carbon negativity well before the deadline.” Abang Johari said Sarawak has the advantage of sharing this success with the world thus inviting collaboration for technological partnership. At the same time, he pointed out that Sarawak has emerged as a key player for interconnection in assisting the fulfilment of the Asean Power Grid. He said through Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), Sarawak is supplying energy needed by Indonesia in East and West Kalimantan. “We are also supplying energy to Singapore and Brunei which means we are assisting three neighbouring countries. If we scale up our production, we can create more job opportunities and economic growth in the region.”
Deputy Premier in Sweden to explore sustainable forestry collaboration
By DayakDaily Team KUCHING, April 28: Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan had a networking session with Business Sweden, an agency that promotes Swedish companies’ global growth and foreign direct investors’ expansion in Sweden.Awang Tengah was in Stockholm for a two-day working visit to promote Sarawak as an investment destination for Swedish investors, as well as to explore opportunities for collaboration in forest management, plantation, and technology to process planted timber species. According to a press release, the Deputy Premier was briefed by Swedish Forest Agencies, Swedish Wood Building Council, Ecco Innovation Foundation, and Billerud on topics such as the development of forest industries in Sweden, the use of engineered wood to construct timber structures, Ecco Innovation Foundation collaboration with other countries in Southeast Asia, and the pulp and paper industry.The industry has a structured mission to achieve a circular bio-based society for Sweden. During the same session, Paul Valentine, General Manager of Sarawak Planted Forest Sdn Bhd, provided an overview of the development status of planted forests in Sarawak, as well as opportunities for future collaborations and investments in digital technology, mechanisation for planted forest harvesting, and the production of high value-added products such as pulp, paper, engineered wood, and biomass fuel for the Swedish business communities. The Deputy Premier invited the Swedish business community to consider investing in Sarawak’s forestry, forest plantation, and wood-related industries. He pointed out that Sarawak is transitioning to a sustainable and renewable wood-based industry that uses material from forest plantations to produce engineered wood, biomass fuels, pulp, and paper.Sarawak also a geographic advantage because it is close to large markets with high growth rates, such as China, Japan, India, South Korea and Australia. Meanwhile, Business Sweden sees potential opportunities in Sarawak for research and innovation, digital forest management applications, forest industries for wood structure construction, and human capital development, according to the press release. Business Sweden, in collaboration with industries and agencies, will continue to engage in dialogues with Sarawak to identify areas of mutual interest that can be considered and implemented in the future. Also present during the working visit were Swedish Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Joachim Bengstrom; Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Natural Resources, Datuk Len Talif Salleh; Advisor to the Ministry of International Trade, Industry, and Investment (MINTRED), Dato Sri Mohd Naroden; Director of Forests, Datu Hamden Mohammad; Permanent Secretary of MINTRED, Dzulkornain Masron; General Manager of Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC), Zainal Abidin Abdullah; Advisor to STIDC, Datu Hashim Bojet; CEO of Invest Sarawak Timothy Ong; and CEO of PUSAKA Capital Sdn Bhd, Mohd Nor Topek Julaihi. – DayakDaily
Move to make hydrogen accessible throughout Sarawak
BANGKOK: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has shared his vision of making hydrogen readily accessible across Sarawak. Noting how Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Energy is pioneering the hydrogen revolution in Sarawak, he said Sarawak is committed to pioneering innovative solutions that will not only power the state’s economy but also safeguard the environment for generations to come. “SEDC Energy is positioning Sarawak at the forefront of the hydrogen economy thus setting a new standard for sustainable energy in Malaysia and Southeast Asia through visionary initiatives. “A cornerstone of this endeavour is the development of a state-wide network of Flagship Multi-fuel Stations (MPS) with a particular emphasis on hydrogen refuelling. “Our vision is to make hydrogen readily accessible across Sarawak. These stations will not only serve as refuelling hubs for hydrogen vehicles but will also symbolise our unwavering commitment to clean, efficient, and sustainable transportation,” he said. He said this during his keynote address at the Future Energy Asia 2024 here today. Abang Johari said Sarawak’s ambition extend beyond transportation as the Sarawak government envisions hydrogen as a versatile and sustainable feedstock for a multitude of industries. “One particularly promising avenue is the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). By harnessing the power of hydrogen in conjunction with renewable resources like algae oil, we can create a cleaner, greener alternative to conventional jet fuel, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of air travel. “In essence, hydrogen is not merely a fuel; it is a catalyst for a greener, more resilient Sarawak. By embracing hydrogen, we are not only diversifying our energy mix but also unlocking a world of possibilities for economic growth, job creation, and environmental stewardship,” he said.
Premier outlines 10-20-30 as sustainable energy future for Sarawak
BANGKOK: 10, 20 and 30 are the main numbers for Sarawak’s energy vision moving forward. This grand vision was outlined by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, signifying Sarawak’s target of generating 10 gigawatts of energy capacity by the year 2030. “This is a simple way to remember the vision for a sustainable energy future for Sarawak. Our commitment to sustainability and renewable energy remains unwavering. “The generation of the 10 gigawatts of energy will predominantly be sourced from renewable sources such as hydropower, solar, gas turbine, and biomass energy,” he said. He said this during his keynote address at the Future Energy Asia Strategic Summit 2024 here today. Abang Johari said Sarawak is giving priority to investments in renewable energy, particularly renewable hydropower to propel the state’s growth forward with three pivotal targets for the energy sector being outlined. He said the Sarawak’s commitment to renewable hydropower has created opportunities for the state to develop bilateral transmission interconnections with Southeast Asian neighbours. “We are sharing our renewable resources and accelerating regional energy transition. This is in line with our regional renewable energy powerhouse ambitions. “In 2016, we took the first step in driving a Trans Borneo Grid with the commissioning of Sarawak’s first international and transboundary interconnection to West Kalimantan, Indonesia. “Sarawak has continued to build on our strong relationship with our Indonesian neighbours, progressing the Mentarang Induk Hydroelectric Project or MIHEP in North Kalimantan via a joint venture company with our Indonesian partners,” he said. Abang Johari stressed that Sarawak’s commitment to sustainability reaches beyond Borneo as the state is actively contributing to the ASEAN Power Grid initiative. “In collaboration with partners such as Sembcorp Utilities and Singapore Power International, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) has undertaken technical studies for Sarawak-Singapore interconnection. “This project brings us closer to achieving regional energy integration and sustainability goals,” he said.
Sarawak estimated to possess high value mineral resources worth RM1.252 trillion
KUCHING, May 14: Sarawak is estimated to possess high value mineral resources for the energy industry and downstream manufacturing industry worth more than RM1.252 trillion. Natural Resources and Urban Development II Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the estimated value is based on the records of Sarawak’s Department of Minerals and Geosciences Malaysia. These mineral resources are deposited across an area of approximately 39,824 square kilometers or 3,982,400 hectares, which involves 32 per cent of the area of Sarawak. The Sarawak government has thus requested for a larger allocation for Department of Minerals and Geosciences Malaysia, Sarawak from the Federal government so that the study on the existence of mineral resources in Sarawak can be carried out more extensively. “This geological study and mapping is very important to enable land use planning and the development of mineral-based industries to be made in detail and comprehensively by the government,” said Awang Tengah when delivery his ministerial winding-up speech in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) here today. He said in the development of mineral-based industries, the Sarawak government is currently trying to develop downstream industries especially those based on silica sand for the manufacturing of photovoltaic glass (PV glass) which is essential for solar power generation (green energy) and limestone for the clinker and cement industry. “In addition, the government is also studying the potential of an industry based on high-value strategic minerals, namely Non-Radioactive Rare Earth Elements (NR-REE). “NR-REE is needed in various manufacturing industries such as magnetics, phosphorus, ceramics, metal alloys, defence and so on,” said the Bukit Sari assemblyman (GPS-PBB). — DayakDaily
Sarawak approves SST on export of ferroalloys and polysilicon, says Deputy Premier
KUCHING: Sarawak has approved the introduction of state sales tax (SST) on the export of ferroalloys and polysilicon as part of efforts to diversify revenue sources, says Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah. The Deputy Premier said the tax would be imposed at the rate of 1.5% effective Sept 1 this year. “This is a fair and reasonable rate for the affected companies as they enjoy tax incentives from the Federal Government and favourable power rates from the state. “The revenue generated from this source will give us fiscal flexibility in enhancing our socioeconomic development efforts which include, among others, implementing clean and renewable energy initiatives,” he said in his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting here on Wednesday (May 15). Uggah also said Sarawak collected RM14mil from SST on the export of selected timber products last year. He said that for this year, the state was projected to collect RM33mil from the tax, which was imposed effective June 1 last year. “Moving forward, the Sarawak government will continue to explore new opportunities to enhance and diversify our revenue sources. “This is imperative as we continue to pursue our development agenda so that no one will eventually be left behind,” he said. In addition, Uggah said Sarawak’s revenue was projected to be RM12.749bil this year. He said RM4.798bil or 38% of the projected revenue had been collected as of March 31. “Based on the performance thus far, we are confident we can achieve the targeted revenue projection for this year, barring any unfavourable circumstances at the global geopolitical level which could adversely affect oil and gas markets,” he added.
Sarawak considering to build new international airport in Kuching, says Premier
KUCHING (May 15): Sarawak plans to develop a new international airport in Kuching to support the growth of the aviation industry in the state, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. According to him, the construction of an international airport is necessary considering Sarawak’s air traffic is increasing and the insufficient facilities at the existing Kuching International Airport (KIA). “We are studying plans to build a new international airport due to the increase in our (air) traffic. “We are also looking at the international airport building now, I think there are not enough facilities with the increase in the number of flights and passenger traffic,” he told reporters at the lobby of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here today. He was asked after he said during his winding-up speech that the Sarawak government planned to develop a new international airport following the acquisition of MASwings. The effort, he said, will make Sarawak another regional aviation hub for Asean. Commenting further on the matter, Abang Johari said it was time for Sarawak to have a new international airport because the existing KIA has exceeded its capacity to handle more traffic. “We will inform you about the location later. What is certain is that it will be developed in Kuching, because the international airport has to be in Kuching because we want it to be an aviation hub. “We already have a hub for ports, this time we need a hub for flights. It’s not only for passengers but for cargo, meaning it works as a commercial hub,” he explained. Regarding the funds to build the new Kuching international airport, Abang Johari said the matter would be discussed with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB). “Whether MAHB will be our partner to develop this airport depends on the availability of funds. “Perhaps we will develop together with MAB to build this new international airport,” he said. When asked on what will happen to the existing KIA, Abang Johari said it could be turned into an airport for chartered jets or private planes. “Of course the question is that the current KIA is sufficient or not in terms of capacity… so we need a new international airport, only after that we will see what can be done on the existing KIA,” he said.
