Sarawak Premier begins work visit to Australia

Abang Johari along with other Sarawak government leaders arrive at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Melbourne.

By DayakDaily Team

MELBOURNE, Aug 27: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has arrived in Melbourne, Australia yesterday (Aug 26) to begin a five-day working visit from Aug 26 to 30.

According to a report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), a special aircraft carrying Abang Johari landed safely at Melbourne Airport at around 7.30pm last night.

Accompanying the Sarawak Premier were the Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni; Sarawak Financial Secretary, Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar; and Chief Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier, Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.

Abang Johari will begin his working visit by visiting Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn Campus at 10.15am today (Aug 27) to attend a campus exhibition at the Siemens Swinburne Energy Transition Hub, Factory of the Future (FoF) and Swinburne Institute for Space and Technology.

These three research centres explore new solutions to current technical energy challenges, accelerate the transition towards a sustainable energy sector, delve into digitalisation technologies and explore the latest advances in manufacturing automation.

In addition, they also explore internationally competitive capabilities in astrophysics, aerospace, aviation, advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence.

Afterwards, Abang Johari is scheduled to meet with the Vice-Chancellor of Swinburne University, Professor Pascale Quester.

Also expected to be present are the chairman of the Swinburne Sarawak Board of Directors, Datuk Amar Jaul Samion; Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Simon Ridings; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Karen Hapgood; Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement), Dr Douglas Proctor; and the university’s senior management team.

At 2pm, Abang Johari is scheduled to meet with Sarawakian students studying at the university.

He will conclude his first-day working visit by visiting the National 4.0 Industry (Latest Manufacturing) Testbed at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) at 3.15pm.

On Thursday (Aug 29), Abang Johari is scheduled to depart for Sydney, Australia to deliver his keynote address titled ‘The Powerhouse of Green Economy in ASEAN’ at the ASEAN Australia Business Forum held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney at 11.30am.

Afterwards, he and several other panellists will share their views in a special discussion touching on ‘Energy Transition and Green Economy’.

Other panellists include President of Asia Pacific Region for Fortescue Energy, Eva Hanly; Director of NSW Circular Economy Innovation Network, Prof. Veena Sahajwalla; Chairman of Viva Energy, Geelong, Australia, Hon Robert Hill AC; and Chairman of Enserv Holding Co Ltd, Thailand, Jimmy Tanachat Pochana.

Abang Johari will then witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Australia Malaysia Business Council (AMBC) NEW and the Sarawak Australia Business Council (SABC).

Organised from Aug 29 to 30, the ASEAN Australia Business Forum focuses on topics related to agriculture, food security, renewable and green energy with a special focus on decarbonisation, digital transformation, tourism economy as well as medical and health resilience.

Abang Johari is scheduled to return to Kuching on Aug 30. — DayakDaily