France backs Sarawak’s green energy and clean tech ambitions, eyes broader cooperation

Abensour (third left) and Abang Johari (fourth right) together with other dignitaries during a photo call at Satria Pertiwi Complex on June 25, 2026. Photo credit: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 25: France has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sarawak in leveraging its natural resources to develop a globally competitive hub for energy transition and clean technology.

In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news, French Ambassador to Malaysia Marc Abensour said his second visit to Sarawak within six months underscores the State’s strategic importance to the French government.

“We fully understand the strategic vision outlined by the Premier of Sarawak to utilise local natural resources to position Sarawak as a hub for energy transition and clean technology. It is an ambitious vision, and we are keen to support it proactively,” he told a press conference following a courtesy call on the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Satria Pertiwi Complex today.

Abensour said discussions with Abang Johari covered a wide range of potential cooperation areas between France and Sarawak, including aeronautics, air connectivity, energy transition, hydropower development, and electricity supply.

He added that several French companies are already established in Sarawak or are exploring expansion opportunities, particularly in hydropower, biometanol, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Beyond the energy sector, he said collaboration is also being explored in culture, tourism, and education, including partnerships between the Borneo Cultures Museum and museums in France, as well as performing arts exchanges and efforts to promote Sarawak in the French market.

Marc also highlighted that he had visited i-CATS University College and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) to explore potential academic and research collaborations in strategic fields such as aeronautics, energy, semiconductors, and advanced technologies.

Also present during the courtesy call were Economic Counsellor Michel Cywinski, Sarawak Regional Office director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dato Fenny Nuli, Vice-Chancellor of i-CATS University College Datuk Prof Emeritus Ts Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi, SACED director Ir Dr Angelia Liew San Chuin, and acting SUT of MEESty Ts. Dr. Nurleyna Yunus.

Following the courtesy call, the Premier of Sarawak also received a farewell visit from Datu Abang Mohd Shibli Abang Mohd Nailie, marking the end of his official service tenure.

Mohd Shibli served as general manager of Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak for 28 years before officially concluding his service on June 8. — DayakDaily