Sabah's proximity to Nusantara offers major renewable energy potential: QSB CEO
Published on: Thu, Apr 24, 2025
By: Larry Ralon Text Size: State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, who officiates Sarec 2025, with the organisers. - Pic by CMD KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's strategic proximity to several rapidly growing regional economies—most notably Indonesia's emerging capital of Nusantara—offers the State significant market opportunities and positive spill-over effects, said Qhazanah Sabah Berhad (QSB) Group CEO Datuk Ahmad Rizal Dahli. Complemented by rich natural resources ideal for renewable-energy adoption, he said Sabah is poised to model sustainable solutions. 'With some of the highest solar-irradiation levels in Malaysia, we have the potential to generate up to 99.4 GW of photovoltaic power—an opportunity we must seize,' he said at the Sabah Renewable Energy Conference (Sarec) 2025: Corridor to Transform Vision to Reality held here Thursday. Ahmad Rizal emphasised that no single organisation can realise this ambition alone. 'Sarec 2025 serves as a vital platform to harmonise our efforts—whether in policy development, infrastructure investment, technology innovation or financing mechanisms.' He called for synergy between public and private sectors, regulators and investors, and innovators and implementers, stressing that each stakeholder has a unique role, from financial institutions and technology providers to regulators and asset developers. Looking ahead, he noted that green financing, sustainable investment models and ESG-aligned capital flows are no longer optional but fundamental pillars of future growth in Sabah's renewable-energy sector. 'Equally important is our commitment to inclusivity and diversity. 'As we push the boundaries of what is technologically and economically possible, our progress must also be socially just and equitable.' 'Renewable energy is not just about electrons and infrastructure—it is about empowering communities, creating quality jobs and fostering resilience across every corner of Sabah, including our rural and indigenous populations,' he said. Founded in April 1995 as Warisan Harta Sabah Sdn Bhd under the Sabah Finance Ministry, Qhazanah Sabah Berhad was established to act as the State Government's strategic investment arm, ensuring that Sabah's interests remain uncompromised. 'Over the past three decades, we have diversified into strategic sectors, aligning our investments with the State's long-term goals and global best practices,' said Ahmad Rizal, noting that collaboration with fellow government-linked companies strengthens Sabah's economic ecosystem amid shifting global and regional demands. He explained that organising Sarec 2025 reflects QSB's core value of collaboration and its collective commitment—with public and private stakeholders—to facilitate knowledge sharing and drive the growth of Sabah's renewable-energy industry. Ahmad Rizal acknowledged Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad (MARC) as a strategic partner and co-organiser. 'Without MARC's initiative, Sarec 2025 would not have been possible. Their leadership has enabled deeper collaboration among GLCs and industry partners. 'Let today mark the beginning of deeper collaborations and bold ideas. "May we leave this conference not only more informed but more proactive—and commit, together, to building a Sabah that shines brightly in Malaysia's clean-energy future, preserving our home without compromising economic opportunity,' he said. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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