Awang Tengah: Sarawak shifts focus to value-added exports and green energy leadership
KUCHING (July 2): The Sarawak government is actively pursuing value-added growth and is no longer focusing solely on raw commodity exports, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
The International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister said the state is now laying the foundation for advanced manufacturing, green economy initiatives and digital-based exports as part of a long-term strategy to build a more resilient and innovation-driven economy.
'We are investing in the future, which is in renewable energy, semiconductors and high-value sectors that will position Sarawak as a major economic force in the region.
'Our focus has thus shifted because we want to go beyond exporting crude oil, gas and palm oil,' he said during his keynote address at the launching ceremony of Sarawak Export Day 2025 held at a local hotel here today.
He added that Sarawak is poised to lead the country in green energy development, with active initiatives in hydropower, solar, biomass and hydrogen production.
To support this ambition, Awang Tengah said the state has amended its Electricity Ordinance to allow greater investor participation in boosting generation capacity.
'We have set a clear target in which by 2030, we aim to generate at least 10,000 megawatts of electricity, and by 2035, 15,000 megawatts which will all be from clean and renewable sources,' he said.
Awang Tengah also mentioned that Sarawak will be developed into a hub for semiconductor manufacturing and aerospace economic activities, reflecting the state's shift towards high-technology industries and global competitiveness.
These sectors, he said, offer enormous potential, and Sarawak wants its local players to seize the opportunities and grow alongside global industry leaders.
Commenting on investments, he said the state government's message is clear: investment is the cornerstone of Sarawak's future, not only to boost exports and gross domestic product but also to transform the economic landscape, drive technological advancement, and ensure inclusive prosperity for Sarawakians.
'Since 2021, Sarawak has approved over RM102 billion in investments involving 1,180 projects. These projects are expected to create nearly 23,000 job opportunities and open doors for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to participate in supporting industries,' he said.
To further boost global engagement, Awang Tengah said Sarawak is expanding its international trade network, adding that in addition to existing offices in Singapore and Brunei, a new trade office will soon open in Pontianak, Indonesia.
Also present during the event were Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican and other officials.
Sarawak Export Day 2025 was jointly organised by the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak and Matrade. Awang Tengah export lead sarawak value-added growth
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