KUCHING: Sarawak is taking the lead in transitioning to a green economy to ensure a sustainable future, says Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
He said this shift focused on decoupling economic growth from carbon emissions and resource depletion for long-term economic and ecological resilience.
"Sarawak is laying the groundwork for a future where financial success is aligned with environmental stewardship by integrating renewable energy sources such as hydropower, solar, and biomass," he said in his keynote address at the Sarawak Future Forum here on Thursday (Oct 10).
The forum was organised by the Sarawak Centre of Performance Excellence (SCOPE), featuring Nobel Prize-winning economist Prof Joseph Stiglitz among its speakers.
Abang Johari said green hydrogen was at the forefront of Sarawak’s clean energy strategy as it was a zero-emission fuel with the potential to decarbonise industries.
He said Sarawak aimed to become a key exporter of hydrogen, particularly to South Korea and Japan in line with their national net-zero strategies.
"Furthermore, Sarawak is developing a robust hydrogen transportation and storage infrastructure, allowing for seamless export to international markets.
"By leveraging its geographical advantage and proximity to key Asian economies, Sarawak can become a major supplier of clean hydrogen, further diversifying its economy," he said.
Abang Johari also said Sarawak's commitment to renewable energy was key to its economic transformation.
He said Sarawak would expand its renewable portfolio to 15GW capacity by 2035.
"This strategic expansion positions Sarawak as a regional powerhouse in green energy, capable of exporting sustainable power to neighbouring countries, including Singapore, Indonesia and beyond," he said.
Abang Johari said sustainability must go together with inclusivity and the wellbeing of the people.
He said the state government was committed to ensuring that everyone had a share in the benefits of economic progress.
"Social equity must be a guiding principle as we develop policies and programmes that ensure every Sarawakian, regardless of background, has access to opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship.
"To truly measure our success, we must ask ourselves: Are we creating a society where everyone has a chance to succeed?
"Are we building a future where no one is left behind?
"These are the questions that must guide our work in the years ahead," he said.