Abg Jo: Bintulu's selection as Malaysia's first Transitioning Industrial Cluster recognises Sarawak's strategic potential
KUCHING (July 10): The selection of Bintulu as the site of Malaysia's first Transitioning Industrial Cluster (TIC) is a powerful recognition of Sarawak's strategic potential and its commitment to clean industrial transformation, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the selection is a major milestone not just for Sarawak but for Malaysia.
'Bintulu has been selected as the site of Malaysia's first Transitioning Industrial Cluster (TIC) – a prestigious initiative led by the World Economic Forum. This places Sarawak on the global map, joining 35 industrial clusters across 16 countries, including 30 port-anchored hubs, representing an incredible 66 per cent of global GDP.
'This is a powerful recognition of Bintulu's strategic potential and Sarawak's commitment to clean industrial transformation,' he said in his keynote address at the World Hydrogen Asia 2025 in Tokyo, Japan, today.
According to Abang Johari, the TIC initiative brings together public and private stakeholders to co-develop innovative low-carbon solutions.
'It will reduce CO2 emissions, spur green growth, and create future-ready jobs. This is where the future of industry begins—where climate ambition meets economic opportunity. And we are proud that Sarawak will lead Malaysia as the first to chart this path forward.
'Sarawak did it first. And we are just getting started and I would like to invite you to partner and innovate with us in Sarawak,' he said.
Abang Johari said the TIC initiative aligns with Sarawak's broader efforts to position itself as a regional leader in clean energy and sustainable industrialisation through its Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap and Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030.
'All of this is backed by strong enablers—governance, infrastructure, financing, workforce development, and regulatory clarity. Together, they form a realistic yet transformative platform for Sarawak to emerge as a regional hydrogen leader,' he said.
'We believe that hydrogen is not just a clean molecule—it is a connector. It connects energy to climate, industry to innovation, and nations to opportunity.'
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