Sarawak’s Ministry of Transport eyes collaboration with Incheon International Airport Corporation for New Kuching Airport

Lee (centre) presents a memento to Chang-Kyu Kim during the latter's courtesy visit to his office on July 25.

By DailyDaily Team

KUCHING, July 31: The Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) is exploring a potential collaboration with Incheon International Airport Corporation for the proposed new Kuching International Airport, aiming to position Sarawak as a regional aviation hub.

Its minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin announced plans to lead a delegation to meet with Incheon Airport management to discuss the project details and explore future collaboration opportunities.

This follows a courtesy call by a delegation from Incheon International Airport Corporation, led by Chang-Kyu Kim, Vice President of the Future Business Division, on July 25.

This collaboration aims to leverage Incheon International Airport’s success and expertise to enhance the development and operational capabilities of the new Kuching International Airport, thereby boosting Sarawak’s position as a regional aviation hub.

During the visit, the Incheon delegation shared their extensive experience and strategic approach to the development of Incheon International Airport since its inception in 1989.

They highlighted key factors such as strategic site selection, phased construction, and budget management that have been instrumental in transforming Incheon into one of the world’s leading airports.

Lee emphasised the significance of Incheon Airport’s role in South Korea’s economic growth, particularly after the Seoul Olympics in 1988, which saw a substantial increase in per capita GDP. He noted the potential areas for collaboration that could benefit Sarawak.

“Other matters discussed included potential areas of collaboration with the Sarawak government,” Lee stated.

The Incheon delegation included Martin Song, Director of the Overseas Business Group; Yoonhee Ha, Assistant Manager of the Overseas Business Group; HAIC Sang-Hoon Kim, Manager of the Airport Construction Planning Team; and Se Ho Kim, Chief Executive Officer of Economic Regulatory and Administrative Consulting and Former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Construction and Transportation.

Also present during the meeting were Invest Sarawak CEO Timothy Ong and senior MOT officers. — DayakDaily