MANCHESTER – The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, has begun a working visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland aimed at strengthening cooperation in high technology sectors and education. The official trip, which runs from 2 to 5 May, includes engagements in Manchester, Bristol, and Dublin.
Arriving in Manchester in the early hours of Saturday, the Premier was accompanied by Sarawak Government Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Legal, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.
The delegation landed at Manchester Airport shortly after midnight local time, marking the start of a packed itinerary.
The first leg of the visit took place in Dublin, where Abang Johari toured a major data centre. The stop highlighted Sarawak’s interest in digital infrastructure and advanced technology, reflecting the state’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for innovation.
The Premier has consistently emphasised the importance of digital transformation in driving economic growth and ensuring Sarawak remains competitive in the global market.
Following the Dublin engagement, the premier scheduled a town hall session with Sarawakian students and children living in the United Kingdom.
The gathering provided an opportunity to connect with the diaspora community, discuss Sarawak’s development agenda, and encourage young Sarawakians abroad to contribute to the state’s future.
Such sessions are seen as vital in maintaining ties with overseas citizens while fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility towards Sarawak’s progress.
On Monday, the delegation will travel to Bristol for a meeting with the University of Bristol. Discussions are expected to focus on collaboration in high technology fields, including research partnerships, academic exchanges, and joint initiatives that could benefit Sarawak’s education and innovation landscape.
The Premier has previously underscored the role of international universities in supporting Sarawak’s aspirations to build a knowledge-based economy.
The working visit underscores Sarawak’s broader strategy of engaging with global institutions to accelerate its technological advancement.
By exploring partnerships in data infrastructure, education, and research, the state aims to strengthen its capacity in areas such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and digital economy initiatives.
Observers note that the Premier’s overseas engagements are part of a long-term plan to ensure Sarawak remains at the forefront of technological development in Malaysia.
The trip also reflects the government’s commitment to building international networks that can support local industries, enhance skills development, and attract investment.
As the visit continues, attention will be on how these discussions translate into concrete collaborations that benefit Sarawak’s economy and society.
The outcomes are expected to reinforce the state’s vision of becoming a leader in high technology and sustainable development.
