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 Skills sending teaching staff for hydrogen-tech training in China
KUCHING (April 30): Sarawak Skills Group of Learning Institutions (Sarawak Skills) has announced a series of staff talent development initiatives to support the Sarawak Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the Sarawak government’s ongoing initiatives in carbon reduction emission. According to Sarawak Skills executive director Hallman Sabri, 10 teaching personnel from its three institutions are undergoing hydrogen technology training in China. The staff members are from the Automotive and Welding Institute of Sarawak (Awisar), i-CATS University College and Sarawak Skills Kuching. “The training is being held over a period of two weeks (April 21-May 7) at Foshan Polytechnic and Foshan Feichi Motor Technology Co Ltd in Foshan, Guangdong Province, China,” he said in a statement. Hallman, also the Federation of Malaysian Skills Development Centres (FMSDC) chairman, added: “FMSDC has a long-established relationship with HWK Aachen, Germany to enhance the competencies of trainers from the various skills development centres under the umbrella of FMSDC.” In this respect, he said 15 trainers including three from Sarawak Skills would be in Germany for the Train-The-Trainer (TTT) Meister Mechatronic Programme, to be running from June 8 to 22. “Indeed, for Sarawak Skills, these staff talent development initiatives will go a long way towards supporting the noble course of human capital development for the betterment of current and future generations of the workforce in line with the PCDS 2030,” added Hallman. For more information about Sarawak Skills, go to sarawakskills.edu.my or its social media platforms (a@Sarawak Skills on Facebook, and @sarawakskillsofficial on Instagram).
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
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
Premier: Sarawak to replace coal with biomass at Sejingkat, Balingian power plants
KUCHING (April 28): Sarawak plans to replace the use of coal at the Sejingkat and Balingian power plants with biomass, in line with the state’s efforts to develop clean and sustainable energy, says Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Speaking to reporters after gracing the national-level World Water Day celebration at Kuching Waterfront today, the Sarawak Premier said doing so would not only reduce carbon emission but also provide economic benefits. He cited the Drax facility in the United Kingdom, which he visited recently during an official trip to the UK, as an example of a power plant successfully transitioning from coal to biomass as a source of energy. “At Drax, they previously used coal but have now replaced it with biomass. The investment (to change) is not high because the system is very similar. “This is what we want to use for Sejinkat and Balingian. We want to decommission coal. I have calculated that we can use our biomass to generate power,” he said. Abang Johari explained that switching from coal to wood waste could generate power exceeding 500 megawatts. “Now we only need to strengthen the boiler and also from the point of view of the motor machine, and this will enable Sejingkat (plant) to generate even up to one gigawatt,” he said. Touching on his visit to the Drax power station, the Premier said the insight he gained has provided him a valuable framework in further developing the state’s renewable energy sector, adding he will discuss this with state utility company Sarawak Energy Berhad. He also expressed happiness that the European community has recognised Sarawak’s role in addressing climate change. “We will share the technology we have in renewable energy production including biomass,” he said. Separately, Abang Johari said the implementation of cascading dams in the hinterland will be carried out elsewhere if the local population objected to it. “If they disagree, the government will move (the project) to another area. If they feel suspicious, we will go to another place where the people want (the project to be implemented). “Now we are implementing the project near Sungai Kanowit and Song. In Kapit, they want this cascading source, and we have a new technology that I mentioned as a tank elevator. “This depends on the theory of gravity, which means that the flow of water can generate energy,” he said. Also present at the event were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Sri Julaihi Narawi and his deputy minister Datuk Liwan Lagang, and Fadillah’s deputy minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
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
Awg Tengah: Talent devt across various sectors vital in ensuring Sarawak’s status on global platform
KUCHING (April 24): Sarawak is looking into developing talents in the design of semiconductor products using silicon, germanium and gallium arsenide, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. He was cited by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) in a report as saying that this could be achieved by enhancing collaboration with industry players in the UK. “Talent development in various sectors for the people of Sarawak is important to ensure Sarawak’s position in the global platform. “Sarawak designers are capable of being on par with international designers, given that there are now foreign companies that have bought semiconductor products produced in Sarawak,” said Awang Tengah, who is part of the Sarawak delegation led by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in a working visit to the UK. They inspected the advanced technology employed at the Drax Power Station and oversaw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Sarawak Microelectronics (SMD) Semiconductor and UK-based CSA Catapult. The delegation is now in Poznan, Poland where the Premier is set to present Sarawak’s role in renewable energy security, decarbonisation, and environmental sustainability at the Central European Hydrogen Technology Forum. On another matter, Awang Tengah, who is also the Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, said Samalaju High Tech Park remained one of the good locations for foreign companies to come and establish their companies with a workforce made up of local residents, and it could also be used as a place where talent development could be forwarded. On biomass technology, Awang Tengah – also the Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak – said the visit to the Drax Power Plant in Leeds in the UK, was very fruitful and significant because it showed the delegation present how wood pellets were used to generate clean energy in the United Kingdom. “In this regard, a local company like Samling has exported wood pellets to foreign countries for that purpose. “Therefore, we have the potential to develop technology using wood pellets to generate energy in the near future,” he said.
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.
Sarawak Gas Roadmap
https://sgr.petroleumsarawak.com/
Malaysia’s Sarawak targets green energy powerhouse status
InvestSarawak CEO sees renewables as ‘cornerstone’ of sustainability for state KUCHING, Malaysia — In an ambitious pivot away from its entrenched oil and gas legacy, Malaysia’s Sarawak is working to carve out a new identity as Southeast Asia’s emerging green energy powerhouse, the head of the state’s investment agency told Nikkei Asia. The state, located on the island of Borneo that Malaysia shares with Indonesia and Brunei, possesses immense energy resources. Its operational hydroelectric dams include Bakun and Murum, while the under-construction Baleh Dam is slated to add 1,285 megawatts to the grid by 2026. Sarawak Energy, the state’s power company, estimated that Sarawak has a potential 20,000 MW of hydropower over about 50 sites, of which 3,452 MW has been harnessed. The Bakun Dam, Sarawak’s largest hydroelectric project and one of Southeast Asia’s most significant, was completed in 2011. The 7.4 billion ringgit ($1.56 billion) facility spans the Balui River and boasts a capacity of 2,400 MW. Its construction was part of a broader initiative to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote sustainable energy sources within the region. “Sarawak is transcending its traditional energy models to embrace a future where renewable energy is the cornerstone of economic and environmental sustainability,” Timothy Ong, chief executive of InvestSarawak, said in an interview last month. “The future of Sarawak lies in green energy, and our commitment to this vision is unwavering,” Ong said. “Through strategic investments, partnerships, and a dedicated workforce, we are not just imagining a sustainable future; we are actively building it.” The effort is paying off, attracting a slew of foreign direct investment into the green sector. In 2023, Sarawak drew 21.4 billion ringgit in investments, with a significant chunk funneled into manufacturing and renewable energy initiatives, according to Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, the state’s deputy premier, as reported by the state information office earlier this month. State-linked Sarawak Energy signed a memorandum of understanding in October last year with the United Arab Emirates’ Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, also known as Masdar, as part of joint effort to develop 2 gigawatts of renewable energy projects in Malaysia at an investment value of $8 billion, according to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority. One of the plans includes developing 1 GW of renewable energy projects in Sarawak. Beyond hydropower, Sarawak is also aiming to become a leader in the nascent hydrogen energy industry in the region. Collaborations with Japanese and South Korean companies such as SK Energy, Sumitomo Corp. and Eneos highlight the state’s role in the ongoing international push towards hydrogen as a clean, alternative fuel source. “These ventures bring more than just investments; they bring knowledge and innovation, propelling Sarawak onto the global stage of renewable energy,” Ong said. Sarawak’s green agenda also extends to its burgeoning digital economy, with plans to power tech industries and data centers using renewable energy. The initiative aligns with global demand for sustainable digital infrastructure, marrying digitalization with green energy in a move that Ong describes as “setting the stage for a future where digital and green go hand in hand.” The road to a green future, however, is not without challenges. Sarawak is grappling with the need for skilled manpower and technological skills to drive its renewable ambitions. To this end, Ong said that InvestSarawak is focusing on education enhancements and talent repatriation strategies for “building a future-ready workforce for Sarawak’s renewable energy sector.” Ong said: “We’re focusing on enhancing local education and creating enticing opportunities for our people abroad to return and contribute to our green ambitions. This is more than just a job; it’s about building a sustainable future for our next generations.” Sarawak can play a key role in the renewable energy industry because the state can provide cost-competitive electricity tariffs. Ong reiterated that it will be serving as an anchor for energy intensive digital, advanced manufacturing. “For me, the focus is not on the value of the investment,” he said. “My focus is on our economic complexity. On investment value, it’s pointless if we don’t have sophistication in our supply chain and that is what keeps your multinationals in the state, so you can always have the attraction [for] retention of talents.”
