KUCHING: Borneo’s strategic location, natural resources and capabilities make it a potential hub for Asean economic growth, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
The Sarawak Premier said the island's position at a regional crossroads, coupled with its natural resources, renewable energy potential and biodiversity, could make it a pivotal economic hub.
"By working more closely across Sarawak, Sabah, Kalimantan and Brunei Darussalam, we can connect our infrastructure, industries, markets and capabilities and build stronger regional value chains," he said in his keynote address at the Borneo Economic Forum here on Wednesday (Oct 7).
Abang Johari said Sarawak was ready to play its part in building a stronger and more resilient Borneo, particularly in renewable energy, digitalisation and high-value industries.
He said Sarawak would also continue exploring opportunities for cooperation within Borneo and the wider Asean region by complementing each other's strengths and interests.
On energy, Abang Johari said Sarawak's substantial hydropower, solar, biomass and other renewable energy resources could help meet the region's growing energy needs.
He noted that Sarawak was already supplying electricity to West Kalimantan and Sabah, with future connections to Brunei and Singapore being pursued.
"This is what we mean when we speak of Sarawak as the Battery of Asean.
"It is about harnessing our renewable energy resources with the necessary infrastructure and partnerships to strengthen energy security, support the clean energy transition and unlock new opportunities for economic growth," he said.
Abang Johari said digital initiatives were also key to building a more connected and competitive Borneo.
"I believe that across Borneo, we can explore how our digital capabilities, data and talent can be better connected beyond our major urban centres to create a more integrated digital ecosystem that supports innovation, competitiveness and inclusive growth," he said.
He also called for greater cooperation in industrial development to create a more integrated Borneo economy, with different centres of excellence complementing one another.
"Across Borneo, we should look at how our different industrial capabilities can work together, linking production, logistics, resources, technology and markets to build stronger regional value chains," he said.
Borneo Economic Community co-chair Arsjad Rasjid said the forum brought together policymakers, businesses and communities to discuss the Borneo Grid, digitalisation and industrial hubs.
He said the aim was to make Borneo more connected, competitive, sustainable and inclusive.
"We hope that the discussions here will lead to ideas that can become initiatives, and initiatives that can become partnerships," he said.
