LONDON, UK – In a landmark move to strengthen Sarawak’s sustainable development, the Government of Sarawak and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today. The partnership aims to advance collaboration in sustainability, climate action, and human capital development.
The signing ceremony, held at the LSE campus and witnessed by the Premier of Sarawak, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr.) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, marks a significant milestone in integrating world-class academic expertise into Sarawak’s development policies.
This MoU follows a strategic roundtable held on 1 May 2025 between the Sarawak delegation and academics from LSE’s Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change, the Global School of Sustainability, and the Southeast Asia Centre. The discussions highlighted the urgent need for evidence-based policy solutions to safeguard natural resources while fostering human capital growth.
In his speech, the Premier emphasised that natural capital is central to Sarawak’s development strategy. “With over 60% of our land still under forest cover, our rainforests, rivers, and biodiversity are among our greatest strengths,” he said. “These assets position Sarawak as a significant carbon sink for the planet. Conserving them requires recognition of their global value and stronger international cooperation. Natural capital must be valued, protected, and integrated into sound policy.”
The Premier further highlighted that protecting natural capital must go hand-in-hand with developing human capital. The partnership with LSE will focus on several key initiatives, including:
- Executive education programmes for Sarawak’s civil service officers.
- Scholarship opportunities for Sarawak students to study at LSE.
- Joint research on climate, energy, and sustainable development.
- Incorporating environmental economics and ESG leadership into policymaking.
Looking ahead, both parties will explore applying the concept of “planetary boundaries” to Sarawak’s governance. This science-based framework ensures development remains within safe environmental limits while fostering innovation, economic growth, and social prosperity.
“This MoU represents more than just a partnership. It is a framework that brings together our natural and human capital, combining Sarawak’s strengths with LSE’s expertise to create knowledge, policies, and solutions that matter locally and globally,” the Premier stressed.
The Premier also expressed his appreciation to LSE President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Larry Kramer and the participating LSE academics for their commitment to this partnership. He added that such international collaboration reflects Sarawak’s dedication to building a greener, more resilient, and inclusive future grounded in sustainability and knowledge.
Among those accompanying the Premier were State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohammad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Education and Innovation Dr. Annuar Rapa’ee, State Attorney-General Dato Sri Saferi bin Ali, and Chief Political Secretary to the Premier Dato Fazaruddin Abdul Rahman.
The MoU with LSE positions Sarawak as a regional leader in sustainable development and human capital enhancement, signaling the state’s readiness to embrace innovative policies that balance economic growth with environmental preservation.
