KUCHING – The Danish delegation paid a courtesy call on Datu Hii Chang Kee, Sarawak’s Deputy Secretary to the State Government (Operations), at Wisma Bapa Malaysia, underscoring growing international interest in the state’s governance and innovation initiatives.
The delegation was headed by Christian Britten Lundblad, the Danish Parliamentary Ombudsman, alongside Kirstine Vangkilde Berner, Denmark’s Ambassador to Malaysia.
They were joined by Klavs Duus Kinnerup Hede, Director of International Relations, and Merve Imren Yalcin, Deputy Head of Mission at the Royal Danish Embassy, together with other officials.
The meeting, which lasted close to 40 minutes, centred on governance practices, public service delivery, and opportunities for collaboration in digital innovation.
Both sides exchanged views on strengthening institutional frameworks and enhancing transparency in administration.
Mr Lundblad highlighted the progress made by Sarawak’s Ombudsman institution, noting that despite being relatively new compared to Denmark’s 70-year-old system, its achievements have been commendable.
“We have a 70-year-old institution, but they are moving forward rapidly here. I am always inspired by this collaboration and the shared views. Although coming from different perspectives, the problems faced are actually very similar,” he remarked.
Ambassador Berner reinforced Denmark’s interest in deepening ties with Sarawak, particularly in areas such as green technology, renewable energy, and high-tech sectors.
She previously conveyed Denmark’s respect for Sarawak’s leadership in advancing sustainable development, including efforts in green hydrogen and carbon transport technologies.
The courtesy visit also reflected Denmark’s broader engagement with Malaysia. Earlier in the week, the Danish Ombudsman met with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in Putrajaya to explore cooperation in strengthening governance and anti-corruption measures.
The discussions emphasised sharing expertise and philosophies behind the ombudsman concept, which has been instrumental in Denmark’s public sector oversight.
For Sarawak, the meeting at Wisma Bapa Malaysia provided an opportunity to showcase its ongoing reforms and digital transformation agenda.
The state has been actively positioning itself as a regional leader in governance innovation, with the Ombudsman institution playing a key role in ensuring accountability and integrity.
Wisma Bapa Malaysia, the state secretariat building in Petra Jaya, has long been the venue for high-level diplomatic engagements.
The latest visit by the Danish delegation adds to a series of international exchanges aimed at strengthening Sarawak’s global partnerships.
The dialogue concluded with both parties expressing optimism about future collaboration, particularly in governance, technology, and sustainable development.
The visit underscored Sarawak’s growing reputation as a state committed to modernisation and international cooperation.
