KUCHING – The Sarawak Government is stepping up efforts to lead the state into a new economic era, focusing on emerging industries such as hydrogen energy, carbon trading, and AI-powered chip technology.
The move aims to position Sarawak as a competitive global player and regional innovation hub.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Openg said that the government must shift from being a traditional regulator to becoming an active catalyst and investor in transformative industries.
“The government’s role must change. If we aim to develop major enterprises in the new economy — which demand significant capital and investor confidence — the government must lead first before the private sector follows,” he stated.
The Premier made the remarks during a dialogue session with Tan Sri Zarinah Anwar, Chairperson of the Institute of Corporate Directors Malaysia (ICDM), held as part of the Sarawak Corporate Leadership Summit 2025 (SCLS 2025) on Wednesday.
Citing Sarawak’s pioneering hydrogen and carbon initiatives, he explained that such ventures often require initial policy support and state investment to attract subsequent private participation.
He also underscored the need for State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to operate on commercial terms, maintaining competitiveness while fulfilling stabilising roles in key sectors.
“SOEs must function like commercial entities, but with government oversight to ensure accountability and sustainability,” he noted.
In highlighting Sarawak’s progress, Abang Zohari revealed the state’s involvement in developing AI-based semiconductor chips using gallium nitride wafer technology, which could place Sarawak among the global leaders in chip design.
“Not long ago, few could imagine Sarawak producing chips. Now, we are progressing toward becoming an international player in AI chip development,” he said, adding that this technology could serve rising global demand in energy efficiency and data security.
The Premier stressed that visionary and adaptable leadership is vital to sustaining Sarawak’s transformation.
To this end, he directed State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki to explore executive leadership training with institutions such as the University of Cambridge, London School of Economics (LSE), and Harvard University.
He added that a strong sense of public duty remains central to Sarawak’s transformation.
“If leaders work only out of routine, without vision or courage, progress will stall. But when they serve with purpose and commitment, Sarawak will continue to advance,” he said.
The session also explored ways to retain local talent, balance fiscal incentives, and strengthen innovation and technology as the backbone of future growth.
