KUCHING – Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg, has urged local vendors to embrace excellence, innovation and digital transformation to strengthen their competitiveness and expand into the ASEAN market.
His call came during the Sarawak Energy Vendor Excellence Awards (SEVEA) 2026, held at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre in Kuching.
The Premier emphasised that excellence must underpin governance, innovation and business practices as Sarawak advances its economic transformation.
He noted that partnerships between the state government, government-linked companies (GLCs) and industry had enabled Sarawak to achieve high-income economy status for the fourth consecutive year, as recognised by the World Bank.
This achievement came well ahead of the original 2030 target, underscoring the effectiveness of Sarawak’s collaborative approach.
Abang Johari highlighted Sarawak’s growing role in renewable energy supply to Malaysia and ASEAN, which has received recognition from the prime minister.
He said Sarawak Energy’s expanding regional presence would create opportunities for local vendors to grow beyond domestic markets.
“If Sarawak Energy expands its operations throughout the region, our vendors can grow together with the company and become regional service providers to Sarawak Energy and its ASEAN partners,” he remarked.
The premier stressed that Sarawak’s transformation is no longer solely dependent on natural resources but on building a skilled workforce, competitive businesses and strong institutions.
He urged vendors to embrace digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
He also pointed to emerging industries such as semiconductors, satellite technology and artificial intelligence as future growth drivers.
Citing the success of a Sarawakian graduate who launched a CubeSat satellite in the United States, he said the state has the talent to develop advanced technologies.
Global investor confidence was also highlighted, with Western Digital expanding its operations in Sarawak, including pioneering glass-based storage disk technology. Abang Johari said this reflects the strength of Sarawak’s workforce and industrial capabilities.
To ensure competitiveness, the state government will continue prioritising five areas under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030: skills development and vocational training, SME entrepreneurship, digital and energy infrastructure, business transformation support, and workforce quality.
Looking ahead, he outlined two long-term anchors for growth beyond 2030: the development of Tanjung Embang as a deep-sea port and logistics hub, and the establishment of a transition industrial cluster focused on advanced manufacturing, green industries, artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies.
Supported by international partners such as the Asian Development Bank, the Tanjung Embang project will integrate smart port technologies, renewable energy infrastructure and high-tech industries.
Sarawak will also continue investing in renewable energy through hydropower, solar, biomass and natural gas, while expanding downstream industries involving hydrogen, ammonia and methanol.
These initiatives are expected to create greater economic value and position Sarawak as a leader in the energy transition.
Earlier, Abang Johari congratulated recipients of the SEVEA awards, describing the platform as vital in recognising vendor contributions and raising service standards.
He said collaboration between Sarawak Energy and its vendors would remain crucial in supporting the state’s ambition to become an economic and energy powerhouse in Asia.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy and Petros) Datuk Haji Ibrahim Baki, and Sarawak Energy Group CEO Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili.
Beyond the immediate recognition of vendors, the Premier’s speech outlined a broader vision for Sarawak’s economic trajectory.
He described data as the “new oil” in the digital economy, stressing the importance of harnessing advanced technologies to drive growth.
He also noted that Sarawak’s transformation strategy is designed to ensure resilience against global economic shifts, with a focus on sustainability, innovation and inclusivity.
The Premier’s remarks reflect Sarawak’s ambition to position itself not only as a renewable energy hub but also as a centre for advanced industries.
By combining infrastructure development, workforce training and digital innovation, Sarawak aims to create a dynamic ecosystem capable of competing regionally and globally.
The SEVEA awards themselves serve as a reminder of the critical role vendors play in Sarawak’s energy sector.
By recognising excellence and encouraging higher standards, the awards contribute to building a stronger supply chain that can support Sarawak Energy’s regional expansion.
As Sarawak prepares for its next phase of growth, the premier’s message was clear: vendors must rise to the challenge of excellence, embrace digital transformation and seize opportunities in emerging industries.
With strong partnerships, strategic investments and a commitment to innovation, Sarawak is poised to strengthen its role as a key player in ASEAN’s economic and energy landscape.
