Sagah: Sarawak’s green economy initiative focuses on combating climate change

MIRI (Aug 1): The green economy initiative in Sarawak focuses on combating climate change by promoting sustainable industries like renewable energy, ecotourism, and sustainable agriculture, said Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.

The Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister said this approach integrates nature with industry, aiming for economic growth that protects the environment, uses resources responsibly, and prioritises long-term sustainability.

“Key aspects include developing a hydrogen economy and utilising natural resources, particularly in forestry, for economic benefits.

“This includes using forests for biomass energy and as carbon sinks, promoting biodiversity, and adopting the Bioeconomy model to maintain social and biological diversity,” he said in his officiating address at the closing of the 9th BIMP-EAGA Sociocultural and Education Cluster Meeting dinner at Pullman Waterfront Hotel here last night.

His text of speech was read by Education, Innovation and Talent Development Deputy Minister Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, who represented him at the event.

Elaborating further, Sagah said the green economy initiative also supports a circular economy to create high-value products and reduce carbon emissions.

“The initiative helps preserve Sarawak’s cultural heritage by supporting traditional knowledge and sustainable practices in agriculture and resource management.

“It promotes community inclusion and ensures that economic benefits are fairly distributed, fostering cultural pride and sustaining traditional lifestyles and local crafts,” he added.

He said the initiative also provides educational opportunities in sustainability, environmental protection, and green technologies, encouraging the development of educational programmes in renewable energy, ecotourism, and sustainable agriculture.

“This education raises awareness about responsible resource use and balancing economic growth with environmental care, preparing the next generation to contribute to Sarawak’s sustainable development,” he added.

Sagah disclosed that Sarawak aims to become a ‘green’ state generating clean renewable energy and strives to become a high-income economy, emphasising the critical role of quality education in technology-related fields for young people in achieving this goal.

“On July 28th, Sarawak announced that i-CATS University College will offer a new aerospace programme under the Faculty of Aerospace Technology, approved by the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia.

“Sarawak prioritises well-trained and knowledgeable human capital. Sarawak will further enhance its education system based on the Inter-Government Committee report (IGC),” he said.

Sagah stated that to achieve its goal of becoming a developed state by 2030, Sarawak emphasises the need for a well-trained and knowledgeable human capital supported by a world-class education system.

Touching on the 9th BIMP-EAGA Sociocultural and Education Cluster Meeting, Sagah said it provided opportunities in education and skills development through partnerships among higher education and technical vocational education and training institutes.

“It is understood that the target is to implement eight training programmes with participation from at least two member countries.

“I encourage all members to seize this opportunity and work towards achieving this goal for the benefit of your respective countries,” he added.

The meeting was attended by 70 delegates from Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Philippines and Indonesia.

Also present at the function were Higher Education Ministry Secretary Datin Noorazah Omar; head of Republic of Indonesia delegation Anang Ristanto; head of Brunei Darussalam delegation Zainab Morshidi and head of Philippines delegation Tarhata S Mapandi.