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Muhammad Abdullah (fifth left) joins the APC recipients in a group photo on stage during SBC’s Annual Dinner and Appreciation Night 2024.
KUCHING (Nov 3): The Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) continues to elevate itself towards sustainable and impactful efforts to drive Sarawak forward.
This was highlighted during SBC’s 2024 Annual Dinner and Appreciation Night here on Friday.
Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel officiated at the ceremony, in his capacity as the chairman of Sarawak Biodiversity Council.
In his address, he highlighted Sarawak’s strategic vision for sustainable development, emphasising the importance of aligning economic growth with environmental stewardship.
He noted SBC’s successful establishment of the five-hectare industrial-scale microalgae production facility at Sejingkat Power Corporation last year, a collaboration with the Chitose Group.
“The partnership with the Chitose Group, and completion of a five-hectare industrial-scale microalgae production facility at Sejingkat Power Corporation in 2023, using flue gas from a coal-fired power plant, is a testimony of Sarawak’s dedication to innovative environmental solutions.
“Looking ahead, I have been informed that there are bigger projects in sight such as the planning now on a 100-hectare microalgae production facility in Gedong, Samarahan.
“The establishment of Sarawak’s first Bio-Industrial Park in Kota Samarahan, focused on the development of bio-based products in 2027, will be an engine to catalyse the economic growth of Sarawak, especially in the Kota Samarahan area.
“As chairman of the Sarawak Biodiversity Council, I would like these projects to serve as exemplary cases, in demonstrating how to manage catalytic projects well so that sustainable initiatives can drive Sarawak’s vision forward.”
Muhammad Abdullah also emphasised the importance of digital innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) in driving sustainable development.
He thus called upon SBC to leverage on cutting-edge technologies to enhance research and development (R&D), ensuring that Sarawak would remain a leader in green technologies.
One of the key highlights of his speech was the commercialisation of SBC’s research outcomes.
“I note that SBC regularly welcomes a diverse array of international visitors, including ambassadors, researchers, government officials, and industry leaders,” he said.
“These engagements are opening doors and forging invaluable connections worldwide for SBC.
“Therefore, I urge SBC to transform these connections you have made, into actionable and meaningful partnerships, which will subsequently drive significant economic growth for Sarawak through commercialisation of your R&D.”
Muhammad Abdullah said from the perspective of inclusivity and improving the communities’ livelihoods, he anticipated for more benefit-sharing partnerships from next year onwards to foster economic development and enhance livelihoods for Sarawak’s indigenous communities.
He also called upon SBC to transform its international partnerships into actionable collaborations that could drive economic growth and benefit the indigenous communities of Sarawak through its Access and Benefit Sharing Framework.
Along with the event, SBC also hosted 37 community members from 17 ethnic groups in Sarawak, who participated in the Traditional Knowledge Documentation Seminar on Thursday (Oct 31).
SBC has been working closely with the communities in implementing its TK programme and Access and Benefit Sharing framework in Sarawak.
The evening concluded with a celebration of SBC’s staff achievements, recognising eight recipients of the Excellent Service Award (APC) 2023, and 14 recipients of the ‘No Sick Leave Award 2023’.
English (US) ·