Sarawak set to play pivotal role in Asean renewable energy, digital innovation, says business club president

KUCHING (Feb 13): Sarawak is well positioned to play a pivotal role in the transformation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), leveraging its strengths in renewable energy, hydrogen development and digital innovation, said Asean Business Club (ABC) president Tan Sri Dr Munir Majid.

In his address at the welcoming ceremony of Asean Sarawak Business and Economic Forum (ASBEF) 2026 at a leading hotel here yesterday, Munir emphasised that Sarawak must move beyond being viewed as a frontier economy and establish itself as a centerpiece of regional development.

“It is time for Sarawak to reassert itself in the international community, especially among global financial institutions and investors, by clearly demonstrating what it has to offer and what it can achieve,” he said.

Munir, who also chairs the CARI ASEAN Research and Advocacy and Institute for Capital Market Research Malaysia (ICMR), commended Sarawak’s efforts in strengthening data sovereignty.

“In an era dominated by artificial intelligence and rapid technological advancement, safeguarding ownership and control of data is critical to long-term development and security,” he noted.

“Data is now king and Sarawak has shown wisdom and foresight in protecting the foundations of its development and future.”

He added that under progressive leadership, Sarawak has taken decisive steps to position itself at the centre of Asean’s green energy and digital transformation agenda, as the regional bloc accelerates integration amid growing global economic uncertainty.

Munir stressed that Asean must overcome past divisions and fulfil its promise of becoming a US$4 trillion middle-power economy, driven by faster integration, strategic cooperation and sustainable development.

“To achieve this, Asean must integrate faster for the present and strategise more effectively for the future, particularly through major frameworks such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP),” he said.

He pointed out that RCEP and CPTPP, when combined, represent nearly 80 per cent of the global economy, underscoring the strategic importance of stronger regional cooperation in an increasingly volatile geopolitical and economic landscape.

“In a world marked by uncertainty, it is time to deliver – despite the noise and the thunder – by strengthening our foundations in green energy, digital capability and economic resilience,” he added.

Meanwhile, ABC chairman Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, who is also with the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific Malaysia, praised Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg as one of the region’s most dynamic and forward-looking leaders.

He credited the Premier’s leadership for driving Sarawak’s digital transformation and enhancing its growing international recognition.

Yeoh said Sarawak’s strategic position within East Asia and Asean, coupled with its green and digital economy agenda, places the state in a strong position to attract greater global investment.

The forum, jointly organised by ABC, KSI and ASEAN Economic Club (AEC), also recognised outstanding individuals and organisations for their contributions across various sectors.

Among the award recipients was Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Hussein, who received the Asean Outstanding Business Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award.

Other honourees included Antonio Jose Moschella Gonzales of Lukiven Business Group (Outstanding Entrepreneur); Dato Tay Tze How of Amalgamated Batteries Manufacturing (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd (Outstanding Entrepreneur); Dato Dr Jeniri Amir of Sarawak Tribune and    Suara Sarawak (Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Icon Leadership); Jia Mei Cheng of Chengdu Orange Light Universe Technology Development Co Ltd (CEO Icon Leadership); Hallman Sabri of Sarawak Skills Group of Learning Institutions and Federation of Malaysian Skills Development Centres (Human Resource Leadership) and; Dato Ho Fong Lee of Terra Firma Asia Sdn Bhd (CEO Business Icon Leadership).

Companies recognised with Asean Excellence Awards for Innovation were Smart Rental, Neurogine Sdn Bhd, Singularity Connect, and China Submarine Cable Construction Co Ltd.

Recipients for Business Excellence included YAST Group, Asteel Group Berhad and Jiumoxa Malaysia.

In the sponsor category, YAST Group and Rimbunan Hijau Group were recognised for outstanding support.