German firms express strong support for Sarawak as rising frontier for future industries

(From left) Awang Tengah in talk with Riecken-Daerr (centre) and Farlock at the 6th German-Malaysian Business Forum (GMBF) held at a hotel in Kuching on May 6, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, May 7: German companies have expressed strong readiness to support Sarawak’s next phase of economic transformation, describing the State as a rising frontier for future industries.

They noted that Sarawak, a land that once powered economies for generations through its rich natural resources, is now channelling that same legacy of strength into semiconductors, green hydrogen, and other industries of the future.

The sentiment was shared at the 6th German-Malaysian Business Forum (GMBF), held at The Waterfront Hotel here yesterday (May 6), where more than 50 senior representatives from German and Malaysian industries convened with senior officials from the Sarawak government to explore deeper trade and investment collaboration.

Organised by the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC), the forum provided a strategic platform for dialogue on Sarawak’s economic transformation agenda, with a strong focus on building long-term, high-value partnerships in emerging sectors.

Reflecting on the Sarawak’s evolving role in the region, MGCC executive director Hannes Farlock highlighted Sarawak’s unique positioning for future industries.

“When you fly into Kuching and look out over that vast, ancient rainforest stretching to the horizon, you begin to understand the scale of what Sarawak is and what it is becoming.

“This is a land that powered economies for generations through its natural resources, and is now channelling that same energy into semiconductors, green hydrogen, and the industries of the future. For German companies still mapping their next move in Southeast Asia, Sarawak deserves to be on that map and we at MGCC are ready to help you find your place in it,” he said in a media release.

Opening the forum was a Fireside Chat featuring InvestSarawak chief executive officer Timothy Ong, German Ambassador to Malaysia H.E. Silke Riecken-Daerr, and Farlock.

The session set a collaborative tone, focusing on how strategic intent can be translated into tangible investment and long-term partnerships.

Deputy Premier and Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, underscored the Sarawak’s openness to international collaboration, particularly with high-quality partners such as Germany.

“Sarawak is open for business, and we are committed to building partnerships that are long-term, sustainable, and mutually beneficial. Germany represents exactly the kind of high-quality investment partner we seek, one that brings technology, expertise, and a shared commitment to a greener future.

“Today’s forum has reaffirmed our confidence that the foundation for a deeper Sarawak-Germany economic relationship is firmly in place,” he said.

A high-level roundtable session with the Deputy Premier followed, allowing German industry leaders to directly engage Sarawak’s leadership on investment priorities and enabling frameworks. Discussions centred on renewable energy, talent development, high-tech manufacturing, and semiconductors, which are key pillars of Sarawak’s long-term development strategy.

The programme continued in the afternoon with a dedicated dialogue involving the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), and Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS). The session reinforced the critical role of digital infrastructure and technological advancement in driving the state’s transformation agenda.

Held in conjunction with a business delegation organised by MGCC, the forum brought together 17 companies from both Germany and Malaysia across key industrial and technology sectors. — DayakDaily