Australian High Commissioner explores enhanced trade and green energy opportunities with Sarawak

KUCHING: A breakfast session with the Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Danielle Heinecke, has sparked interest in introducing more Australian companies to Sarawak.

The dialogue session, held on Wednesday (July 17), was organised by the Sarawak-Australia Business Chamber (SABC) during Heinecke’s first visit to Kuching.

The session, led by SABC vice patron Datuk Len Talif Salleh and SABC president Rodger Chan Siong Boh, focused on enhancing investment and collaboration, particularly in the green energy sector.

“The potential for collaboration in green energy is immense. Sarawak might have the highest number of Australian graduates in Malaysia on a per capita basis. All SABC Council members are Australian graduates with business ties to Australia,” Heinecke said.

The High Commissioner, who is also the patron of SABC, had previously met with the Chamber in May at the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.

During this visit, the SABC extended an invitation to Heinecke to visit Sarawak, which she accepted.
Len Talif, an alumnus of the Australian National University through the Commonwealth Colombo Plan, spoke about the historical relationship between Sarawak and Australia dating back to the 1950s.

He expressed hopes to further extend this relationship through enhanced trade and stronger ties.
Chan shared that an estimated 50,000 Sarawakians have studied in Australia, reflecting a significant educational link between the regions.

He also discussed potential Australian investments in Sarawak, including a substantial RM4.5 billion green magnesium plant.

The historical ties between Sarawak and Australia were also highlighted, including assistance from the Australian Z Force during World War II and infrastructure projects like the construction of the Satok Bridge in Kuching by Australian engineers under the Colombo Plan.