Sarawak Connects Fair launched in Balikpapan to boost regional ties
KUCHING (July 27): Sarawak marked a significant milestone in regional cooperation with the launch of the Sarawak Connects Fair in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan yesterday, officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
In a statement from his office, Awang Tengah said the event brought together government officials, industry players and stakeholders from both Sarawak and Indonesia to explore cross-border collaboration in key sectors.
He said the fair symbolised Sarawak's commitment to strengthening economic connectivity and sustainable development across Borneo, while supporting Indonesia's vision for Nusantara as its new capital city.
'This initiative reflects our shared aspirations for inclusive growth and innovation-driven progress,' he said, adding that the fair aligns with Sarawak's Post-Covid19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
'Among the focal areas highlighted were healthcare and medical tourism, digital education partnerships, and resilient urban planning based on green and modular concepts,' he said.
Awang Tengah also expressed appreciation to the East Kalimantan government and Indonesian partners for their support in making the event a success.
'The Sarawak Connects Fair is more than a trade exhibition—it is a strategic bridge linking communities, markets and investments across Borneo,' he said.
The fair saw the participation of senior Sarawak officials, including Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Ripin Lamat, Deputy State Secretary Dato Sri Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, and Economic Planning Unit Director Datu Lester Matthew.
Indonesian dignitaries included East Kalimantan's Assistant for Economic Development Ir. Ujang Rachmad and Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN) Deputy Head for Funding and Investment Sudiro Roi Santoso.
The event is expected to pave the way for deeper regional integration and long-term partnerships between Sarawak and East Kalimantan. Awang Tengah Ali Hasan lead Sarawak Connects Fair
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