SEOUL – The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, has arrived in South Korea to continue the second leg of his official working visit to East Asia.
The Premier’s plane landed safely at Incheon International Airport at 9.25 p.m. local time on Tuesday, where he was warmly received by Mr. Nazarudin Ja’afar, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Malaysia in Seoul, alongside delegates from the Regional Islamic Da’wah Council of Southeast Asia and the Pacific (RISEAP).
His arrival in Seoul follows engagements in Tokyo, Japan, where he attended the Presentation Ceremony of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star at the Tokyo Imperial Palace, and delivered a special address marking the 30th anniversary of cooperation between the Japan Malaysia Association (JMA) and the Forest Department Sarawak.
During his stay in South Korea, the Premier, who also serves as President of RISEAP, is scheduled to chair the 36th Executive Committee Meeting at The Plaza Seoul Hotel. The meeting will be attended by representatives from member countries including Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.
The agenda includes discussions on the proposal to appoint Timor Leste as a new RISEAP member, presentation of the progress report from the RISEAP office in Kuching, and updates from the northern, central and southern zones, as well as the Women’s Wing for 2025.
Delegates will also deliberate on the venue for the 21st RISEAP General Assembly in 2026, alongside strategies to strengthen da’wah and socio-economic development across the region.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Premier is scheduled to officiate the opening of the Korean Muslim Federation (KMF) Kindergarten, the upgrading of the Seoul Central Mosque, and the launch of the KMF Halal Department. He will also attend a briefing session with KMF members before concluding his two-day working visit.
The Premier’s engagements in Seoul highlight Sarawak’s growing role in international cooperation, particularly in strengthening Islamic community development and fostering ties with East Asian nations. His Tokyo–Seoul working trip will conclude on Thursday, when he is scheduled to return to Kuching.
