KUCHING – Sarawak is looking to broaden international cooperation and strengthen its links with foreign governments as the state continues pursuing its development agenda under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030.
The matter was discussed during a courtesy call by the newly appointed Director of the Sarawak Regional Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hendy Assan, on Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg at the Satria Pertiwi Complex on August 13.
The meeting focused on the expanding responsibilities of the Sarawak Regional Office and its role in facilitating cooperation between the Sarawak Government, Federal ministries and agencies, as well as foreign countries.
The office is also expected to contribute towards strengthening Sarawak’s international relations, particularly with countries and organisations that have shown interest in the state’s approach to sustainable economic and industrial development.
Discussions also covered the implementation of the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, with emphasis on creating wider opportunities for cooperation that could support Sarawak’s long-term development priorities.
Ambassador Hendy said the responsibilities of the Sarawak Regional Office had developed beyond its earlier focus on consular matters involving Sarawak residents.
“In the early stages, the Sarawak Regional Office focused more on consular matters involving the people of Sarawak. However, now, our role is expanding as a liaison between Sarawak and foreign embassies,” he said when met by the media.
He said the office would also work to strengthen connections between Sarawak and foreign embassies as interest in the state’s development continues to grow.
According to Ambassador Hendy, countries from the European Union, China and ASEAN have been paying increasing attention to developments taking place in Sarawak.
Among the areas attracting interest are green energy, renewable energy and sustainable development, which form part of the wider areas in which international cooperation could be explored.
“They see Sarawak as a model state and are interested in exploring opportunities for cooperation in various sectors, including green energy, renewable energy and other strategic areas that can benefit both parties,” he said.
The expanded role of the regional office could therefore provide an additional channel for engagement between Sarawak and international partners, while maintaining coordination with the relevant Federal authorities.
The discussions come as Sarawak continues to pursue the objectives outlined under PCDS 2030, which provides the framework for the state’s post-pandemic economic and development efforts.
The regional office’s involvement in international engagement is expected to complement these efforts by helping connect Sarawak with foreign diplomatic missions and countries interested in potential areas of cooperation.
Ambassador Hendy’s appointment as Director of the Sarawak Regional Office also marks a change in leadership at the office.
He succeeds Dato Fenny Nuli, who has since been appointed as Malaysia’s Ambassador to Austria.
The leadership transition comes at a time when the office is taking on a broader role in supporting communication and engagement between Sarawak and international representatives.
With interest from the European Union, China and ASEAN countries extending to sectors such as renewable and green energy, the regional office is positioned to facilitate further discussions on areas of mutual interest.
The development also reflects the increasing importance of international engagement to Sarawak’s economic and development priorities, particularly in sectors linked to sustainability and energy.
The courtesy call provided an opportunity for the Sarawak Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ regional office to discuss how the expanded role could support cooperation and coordination in line with the state’s development plans.
