TIANJIN, CHINA: Sarawak is reinforcing its international commitment to sustainability by taking part in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2025, held in Tianjin, China.
Leading the delegation on behalf of the Sarawak Premier was Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, accompanied by high-level state officials including Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development), Dato Sri Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, and Permanent Secretaries Datu Jafri Lias and Datu Abg Ahmad Abg Morni.
This strategic engagement comes shortly after Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced on 20 June that Bintulu had been officially recognised as Malaysia’s first industrial cluster under the WEF’s Transforming Industrial Clusters initiative.
“This recognition is a significant step toward positioning Sarawak as a regional leader in sustainable industrial development,” the Sarawak delegation said in a statement.
Bintulu to Be Showcased at Davos
The Sarawak team held strategic discussions with Jörgen Sandström, Head of WEF’s Industrial Clusters initiative, to map the next phase of collaboration.
A dedicated session at the upcoming WEF Annual Meeting in Davos is also being planned, where Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Zohari is expected to formally present Bintulu’s role in the global industrial transformation agenda.
Dato Sri Julaihi said this recognition places Sarawak firmly on the map as a forward-looking industrial and energy hub, particularly in the era of the global green transition.
Global Partnerships and Green Projects
Sarawak’s strengths showcased in Tianjin include:
- Renewable energy and green hydrogen
- Sustainable infrastructure
- Commitment to a low-carbon economy
- Integration with global innovation ecosystems
Aside from the forum, Dato Sri Dr. Muhammad Abdullah also met with Aon Asia-Pacific Chief Commercial Officer, Jane Drummond, to explore climate risk management, sustainable finance, and insurance frameworks tailored to Sarawak’s needs.
Bilateral Business Engagements
Beyond the WEF, Sarawak deepened bilateral ties with key energy and technology players:
- GUOFUHEE and Asia Energy: In talks on a liquid hydrogen export project in partnership with Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad, with an MoU expected at IEW 2025 in Kuching
- Jiangxi Tianyuan Environmental Protection Group: Collaboration on waste management and environmental technologies
- Qiancheng Group and Comcore Technology Pte. Ltd.: Focused on clean technology and digital infrastructure
These projects align with the Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap (SHER), which aims to position Sarawak as a leading exporter of clean hydrogen in the Asia-Pacific region.
