Sarawak expands international presence in Barcelona to advance sustainable agenda

KUCHING (Feb 23): The Sarawak government, through the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication, is strengthening its global engagement at Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2026, aiming to position the state as a forward-looking, investment-ready economy.

At the world’s leading connectivity event, Sarawak will present its development agenda towards 2030 and outline its priority investment areas, with a strong emphasis on practical delivery and sustainable growth.

“Sarawak aims to achieve a gross domestic product (GDP) of RM282 billion by 2030, reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 45 per cent relative to 2005 levels, and increase median monthly household income to approximately RM15,000, while advancing inclusive and sustainable development,” said the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) in a statement.

As the largest state in Malaysia, SMA said Sarawak combines renewable energy capacity, industrial infrastructure and expanding digital capabilities within a stable and predictable policy environment.

It said the state’s development approach balances economic competitiveness, social inclusivity, and environmental responsibility, reflecting the government’s commitment to international collaboration, technology partnerships and structured engagement with industry leaders, investors and technology experts in support of long-term growth.

SMA noted that Sarawak’s digital transformation agenda is supported by strong telecommunications infrastructure and a renewable-energy-led power system.

“Internet connectivity now exceeds 90 per cent of populated areas, supported by fibre backbone expansion, rural broadband initiatives and satellite connectivity solutions, while 5G ecosystem readiness is progressing through identified rollout sites and industry partnerships.

“Renewable sources form the backbone of Sarawak’s energy mix, with hydropower contributing 60 per cent, equivalent to 3,558 MW of installed capacity.”

It added the remaining generation capacity is supplied by gas at 22 per cent (1,296 MW), coal at 15 per cent (891 MW), diesel at 2 per cent (103 MW), and solar at 1 per cent (50 MW), ensuring a balanced and reliable power system to support long-term economic and industrial development.

“As artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced digital systems reshape global industries, Sarawak is strengthening its capacity to participate more actively in the digital economy through sustained investments in connectivity and digital readiness.

“Key programmes such as the SMART600 initiative, which delivers 600 communication towers, and the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network have expanded high-speed internet access across urban, rural and remote communities,” it said.

At MWC Barcelona 2026, Sarawak is seeking collaboration in digital infrastructure, AI applications, smart city systems, renewable and hydrogen technologies, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor value chains, research partnerships and technology transfer.

In the same statement, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said Sarawak is advancing a development approach that balances economic growth, social well-being and environmental responsibility.

“This platform provides an important opportunity for Sarawak to engage global partners, strengthen its industrial and digital capabilities and attract quality investment.

“At the same time, continued expansion of fibre backbone networks, rural broadband and satellite connectivity solutions is ensuring reliable and inclusive connectivity, enabling digital transformation to deliver tangible benefits to communities across Sarawak while supporting sustainable, long-term growth,” he added.

MWC Barcelona 2026 will be held from March 2-5, bringing together tens of thousands of participants from over 200 countries and territories, including senior executives, policymakers and global innovators.

Sarawak’s participation reflects its continued commitment to international engagement, technological advancement and responsible long-term development aligned with global priorities on digitatransformation, economic resilience and climate action.