Group sign MoU on devt of S’wak’s Kota Petra Green Technology Park

KUCHING (Oct 17): Zecon Berhad (Zecon) has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC) and Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) in conjunction with the opening ceremony of International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak 2024 (IDECS) here on Wednesday.

Zecon in a news release said this significant agreement marked a pivotal step towards the development of the Kota Petra Green Technology Park (KPGTP), a 3,000-acre facility that will be powered by a 300MW solar farm.

The solar farm is integrated with a state-of-the-art 600 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), ensuring operations align with global sustainability goals and reinforcing Sarawak’s commitment to green energy.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg witnessed the signing of the MoU which saw Zecon represented by its group managing director Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad while SDEC chief executive officer Dato Sudarnoto Osman and Centexs chief executive officer Dato Syeed Mohd Hussein Wan Abdul Rahman signed on behalf of their respective companies.

Zecon said this collaboration aimed to leverage the strengths of each organisation to maximise mutual benefits in developing KPGTP.

“Zecon will serve as the landowner, while SDEC will facilitate the acceleration of digital technology and telecommunications services at the park. Centexs will provide capacity building through industry-based training and technology testbeds,” it said.

KPGTP is designed to be a cutting-edge hub for green industries, advanced technologies, and sustainable development.

Strategically located next to the Demak Laut Industrial Park and Senari Port, approximately 7km from Kuching’s city centre, it provides excellent access to regional and global markets – making it an attractive destination for businesses looking to expand their reach in Southeast Asia.

The Sarawak government has endorsed KPGTP with Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status, similar to tech parks in West Malaysia, Batam, and Singapore.

This development is projected to generate an estimated investment value of RM12 billion and create 10,000 jobs during the construction phase, including 4,300 direct jobs.

The direct annual GDP contribution is anticipated to be at least RM1.7 billion, with indirect contributions expected to be even higher as the park’s tenants generate sales of products and services.

Zecon general manager (Corporate) Brandon Goh said the collaboration served as a testament to Zecon’s commitment to sustainable development and innovation.

“By combining our resources and expertise, we are not only creating a thriving industrial hub but also setting a benchmark for future developments in green technology,” he said.

The KPGTP represents a collaborative effort between SDEC, Centexs and Zecon, merging expertise in digital transformation, technical excellence, and land development to create a high-tech industrial hub.

It will utilise a 300MW solar energy system with BESS, underscoring a commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.

Six AI-driven Data Centres are planned, positioning Sarawak as a key player in the future data-driven economy while demonstrating a commitment to environmentally responsible operations.

Zecon is currently engaging with multiple banks to secure funding for the engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) of the 300MW solar farm and associated infrastructure developments, which include two bridges across the Santubong and Serai rivers. The estimated total capital expenditure for this ambitious project could reach RM900 million.

Additionally, Zecon also entered two more MoUs during the Idecs – one with Huawei Technology (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, aimed at advancing green technology and sustainable solutions, and another with China Energy International Group (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, focused on pursuing renewable energy projects and green technology development at KPGTP.

Zecon is also planning business meetings with potential investors, including foreign entities interested in participating in this groundbreaking development.