US Ambassador: Sarawak well positioned for deeper cooperation, investment (Video)

KUCHING (Jan 26): Sarawak has significant potential for deeper cooperation and investment, driven by its people, focus on renewable energy, and long-standing ties with the United States (US), said US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan.

Speaking at a media engagement and press conference held at the Sarawak State Library (Pustaka) here on Monday, Kagan said the state’s strongest asset is its talent, which will continue to attract American companies.

He said the US has maintained long-standing ties with Sarawak and Malaysia, with American companies operating in the region for more than 125 years and investing not only capital but also in developing local talent.

“I’m very proud of the fact that the US has had very close links with Malaysia and with Sarawak going back a very long time,” he said.

He said Sarawak’s focus on renewable energy, coupled with its electricity and water resources, positioned the state well for future industries such as data centres.

“One of the limiting constraints on data centres is electricity and water, and those are things that Sarawak has,” he said.

During his farewell visit, Kagan made courtesy calls on Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, saying discussions centred on development priorities and bilateral ties.

“We talked about Sarawak, we talked about the US-Sarawak relationship, the US-Malaysia relationship and the things that he’s (Abang Johari) passionate about, in particular renewable energy,” he said.

Kagan said he had consistently encouraged American companies exploring opportunities in Malaysia to consider Sarawak as part of their plans.

“When American companies are looking at Malaysia, we tell them you should look at Sarawak,” he said.

Kagan, who has served as US Ambassador since March 2024, said he would leave Malaysia on Feb 15.

“It’s sad to be saying goodbye as ambassador, but it’s great to be seeing so much hope, prosperity and optimism in Sarawak,” he said.