Abang Johari performs the gimmick to officiate SEVEA 2026. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (July 9): Sarawak is charting its next phase of development beyond 2030 through two major initiatives — the Tanjung Embang development and the Transitioning Industrial Cluster (TIC) — as the state embraces technological transformation and explores new frontiers.
In stating this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the two projects would serve as key pillars in strengthening Sarawak’s technology-driven and globally connected economy, while positioning the state to adapt to future economic changes.
“From now right up to the year 2030 and beyond, we have two very important development plans that embrace our technological change as well as our economy that is recognised by the world.
“Number one, our anchor transformation is the development of Tanjung Embang. Number two is the development of what they call the Transitioning Industrial Cluster,” he said in his officiating speech at the Sarawak Energy Vendor Excellence Awards (SEVEA) 2026 at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here on Wednesday night.
Abang Johari said the Asian Development Bank (ADB) had expressed interest in supporting the Tanjung Embang project through green financing, following a meeting with its delegation from Manila.
“Yesterday (Tuesday), I received a delegation from the ADB to participate in the development of Tanjung Embang through what they call green financing.
“Areas have been identified, including what they call a Data and AI Campus and high-tech areas that will become the supporting entities for Tanjung Embang,” he said.
He said Tanjung Embang would be developed as a strategic regional hub featuring a deep-sea port, advanced digital port management systems, high-tech industries, and an international airport, with the development expected to take at least 15 years.
“In other words, we have a pathway for us to play as a regional port in Asean,” he said.
Speaking to reporters after the event, Abang Johari said other financial institutions, including the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and banks from Japan, had also shown interest in supporting Sarawak’s development direction due to their confidence in the state’s energy sector and future economic prospects.
“They are confident in our direction to develop the energy sector, and our future economic direction is bright,” he said.
He added that Sarawak’s free education policy and focus on developing talent in future-oriented fields, such as semiconductors, had also strengthened investor confidence in the state.
On the TIC, Abang Johari said the initiative, which is being developed together with the World Economic Forum (WEF), would serve as another catalyst in attracting high-value investments.
“With WEF as our partner, there is leverage for us to convince foreign investors to come over, supported by our aviation connectivity,” he said.
Abang Johari emphasised that Sarawak must continue investing in emerging technologies, particularly data, semiconductors, and satellite technology, describing data as “the new oil”.
“For instance, we want to launch our satellite into aerospace. People may say our ambition is too high, but the fact is that the new oil is data. You must be able to control data and retrieve data from the latest technology,” he said.
He said the development of CubeSat technology would enable Sarawak to obtain important data for future planning, including assessing the state’s rare earth resources and supporting industries such as semiconductors.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s transformation is not only about economic expansion but also about developing confidence, capabilities and the ability to make strategic decisions in facing future uncertainties.
“The transformation we seek is therefore not merely economic; it is also about building confidence, strengthening capabilities and creating a future that is owned and shaped by Sarawakians ourselves.
“We must have our own pillar with our strong confidence to move forward and even explore the unknown. To explore the unknown is a difficult task unless you have confidence in yourself that you can achieve the unknown,” he said.