KUCHING: There is tremendous potential for greater cooperation between Sarawak and the United States in areas such as energy and education, says US ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan.
He said Sarawak's focus on renewable energy offers investment opportunities in transmission, energy management and data centres.
"Because Sarawak has energy, I think it has tremendous potential going forward to try and be a place where data centres can come.
"One of the limiting constraints on data centres is electricity and water, and those are things Sarawak has," he told a press conference at the Sarawak State Library here on Monday (Jan 26).
Kagan, who was making a farewell visit to Sarawak before his tenure ends on Feb 15, met Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg earlier.
He added that the United States' links with Malaysia and Sarawak went back a long way, with American companies doing business in the state for over 125 years.
"The Premier received me with tremendous warmth. We talked about the US-Sarawak relationship and the things that he's passionate about, in particular, renewable energy and the way in which Sarawak is trying to push forward and seize the day.
"We also focused on education. He is a strong supporter of trying to ensure that Sarawakians have access to the best education in the world, and I believe that the United States has some of the best universities in the world, so there is synergy there," he said.
Kagan also said he expected more American companies to invest in Sarawak in various sectors, based on the state's ambition and potential for growth.
"We've helped put Sarawak on the map for American businesses, working with the American Chamber of Commerce, the US-Asean Business Council and the Malaysian and Sarawak governments.
"I think that over time, you're going to see greater investment by American firms in Sarawak.
"Right now the focus is on energy, but over time I would expect that you'll see a wider range of companies coming and I think it's going to be linked directly to the growth in Sarawak," he said.
On a personal note, Kagan said he enjoyed coming to Sarawak during his time in Malaysia and had fond memories of seeing the orangutans at the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, visiting Bako National Park and eating Sarawak laksa.
"Sarawak has a combination of a unique history and culture, as well as openness and warmth.
"I love seeing the vibrancy and how Kuching is changing. This is a place that has a lot of energy, and it's a lot of fun to come visit," he said.
