Abang Johari appointed as SABC chief patron, says president

KUCHING (Aug 30): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is now the chief patron of the Sarawak Australia Business Chamber (SABC), said president Rodger Chan.

The business leader said Abang Johari accepted the role during the latter’s official visit to Sydney, Australia, where the Australia Asean Business Forum was held with the Premier delivering a keynote address on green economy.

In a statement today, Chan emphasised the importance of the Premier’s role as chief patron in assisting SABC in moving forward and improving the Sarawak Australia trade relations.

“SABC endeavours to work closely with the business community and governments of Australia and Sarawak to promote and enhance bilateral trade and relations between Sarawak and Australia,” he said in the statement issued from Sydney.

Chan said besides Australia, SABC is a founding member and lead partner of the Borneo Economic Community (BEC) initiated by Asean Business Advisory Council.

According to him, BEC comprises community, government and business leaders from Indonesia’s Kalimantan, Brunei, Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan.

“Borneo is an emerging green economy powerhouse with Sarawak as Asean regional leader in green energy and the new green capital of Indonesia located there.

“There are opportunities aplenty for Australia companies to work with SABC, not only for Sarawak, but Borneo and Asean,” he added.

Chan expressed confidence that Abang Johari’s acceptance of the role of SABC chief patron would significantly motivate the chamber to promote green economy and to fulfil its mission of advancing trade and economic ties between Sarawak, Borneo and Australia.

The Premier, he added, is very well respected in Australia and the region in his leadership in green economy, renewable energy, hydrogen and circular economy.

“SABC has established linkages and signed MoUs (memorandum of understandings) with Australia Malaysia Business Council (AMBC) in different states of Australia, including AMBC Victoria, AMBC Queensland and AMBC New South Wales, and it is in the process of signing MoUs with AMBC in Western Australia and South Australia,” he added.

According to Chan, Abang Johari has affirmed his commitment to supporting SABC’s endeavours as well as trade and relations between Sarawak and Australia.

“Abang Johari’s role as the chamber’s chief patron would no doubt drive SABC forward and affirm the strong commitment of Sarawak and SABC towards improving trade and relation with Australia and the region,” he expressed.