Latest news with #AbangJohari
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Free tertiary education in Sarawak modelled on Nordic, German models
MIRI: Sarawak's free tertiary education (SFTE) initiative is modelled after Nordic countries like Norway and Finland, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. He said these countres, along with Germany, are known worldwide for their high and robust economic growth. "That is why we model our free tertiary education initiative on the free education systems of these countries," he said at a townhall during the Sarawak Day celebration here. "We want our students to have the latest knowledge for the state's future," he said. He said the goal is to replicate the economic growth seen in those countries. The SFTE initiative will begin next year at five state-owned institutions: Swinburne University of Technology in Kuching, Curtin University of Technology in Miri, University Technology Sarawak in Sibu, I-Cats College University in Kuching and Centre of Technological Excellence Sarawak in Kuching. He said the state has no plans to extend SFTE to Sarawakians at federal universities. The initiative is limited to Sarawakians enrolled at the five state-run universities. "If we want to expand to other universities, they are financed by the federal government. We don't want to interfere with what the federal government is doing," he said. Abang Johari said applications to state-owned institutions are not subject to UPU criteria set by the higher education ministry. He cited many cases where students applying for an engineering course were instead diverted to study an arts subject. He added that students with the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) from Chinese schools will be accepted if they meet entry requirements, and even those from poor families can pursue higher education in state-run institutions.
The Sun
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Sarawak named among world's top transitioning industrial clusters
KUCHING: Sarawak has been acknowledged as one of only 36 Transitioning Industrial Clusters worldwide and the sole representative from Malaysia, announced Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The recognition, granted by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, highlights the state's commitment to green energy development. 'Last month, I was invited to speak at the World Economic Forum - Summer Davos 2025. However, due to my wife's health, I sent Sarawak Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, as my representative. The organisers later requested my personal participation, but the slot was eventually given to the Prime Minister of Singapore. This demonstrates Sarawak's growing global influence,' he said during the Marina bridge project groundbreaking ceremony. Abang Johari attributed Sarawak's international standing to its sustainable development policies. 'During my recent visit to Japan, officials commended Sarawak's focus on new energy solutions. We must maintain this momentum while ensuring development benefits the people, such as through projects like the RM400 million Marina bridge in Miri,' he added. The Public Works Department (JKR) confirmed that the Marina bridge contract is expected to be awarded in Q4 2025. Once completed, the bridge will connect Miri Marina to Miri Peninsula, reducing travel distance to Pulau Melayu and Lutong from 10km to just 2km, cutting travel time from 25 minutes to five. Abang Johari also revealed ongoing exploration in Miri's Adong area for potential natural resource reserves. 'Studies are underway to assess its viability. If results are positive, the state will proceed with extraction,' he said. Additionally, Sarawak is planning to boost Miri's tourism sector with a new road linking Miri to Marudi and Long Terawan, enhancing accessibility to northern Sarawak's key attractions. - Bernama
New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Sarawak premier opens up on grief after wife's passing
MIRI: Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg today admitted that he was still coming to terms with the passing of his wife, Puan Sri Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, who died last month. Speaking publicly on the matter for the first time about her death, Abang Johari said her passing was deeply felt not only by him but also by the rest of his family. "God loves her more than we do," the premier said at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the RM400 million Marina Bay bridge here. "Since she is no longer with us, that is why I brought my daughter with me to Miri," Abang Johari said. He said his wife, who died on June 23, had always been a source of inspiration to him in his service to the people. He added that she and other family members shared his aspirations in his efforts to develop and bring progress to the state. "To me, they have been sources of inspiration, because at the end of the day it is the people who benefit. "Hopefully, I receive blessings from God and I also hope that my wife will be blessed for her sacrifices to me and to the state," he said. Juma'ani Juma'ani passed away at 3.34am on June 23. She was 76. (hyperlink: ) She was the daughter of Sarawak's second Governor, Tun Tuanku Bujang Tuanku Othman. She is survived by Abang Johari, their son Abang Abdillah Izzarim, 45, and daughter Dayang Norjihan, 43.
Borneo Post
11 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Miri Marina Bridge to transform city into ‘San Francisco of Sarawak', says Premier
Abang Johari (left) and his Cabinet colleagues giving the thumbs-up to the groundbreaking ceremony of iconic Miri Marina Bridge. MIRI (July 22): Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg says the upcoming Miri Marina Bridge will be a game changer for the city, comparing its future appeal to the 'San Francisco of Sarawak'. He said the RM450 million project will not only offer scenic views of the South China Sea and surrounding Canada and Lambir hills, but also drastically cut travel time between Pulau Melayu and the Marina area from 30 minutes to just five. 'This landscape upgrade in Miri, with its iconic facilities and connectivity infrastructure, aligns with the city's image as the resort city of northern Sarawak, putting it on par with other tourist destinations,' Abang Johari said at the groundbreaking ceremony at the Miri Waterfront Commercial Centre today. The two-lane cable-stayed bridge will span 650 metres with a 1.2km total length and 20-metre clearance. Construction is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year and would take 36 months to complete. Abang Johari said Sarawak's infrastructure growth is part of its long-term economic plan, which has attracted global recognition, including from the World Economic Forum and World Bank. He said Sarawak's revenue reached RM14.6 billion last year, and the state now aims to hit RM300 billion in GDP within 10 years, building on its gas development roadmap. 'Our GDP is now touching RM199 billion from RM140 billion previously. Over the next five years, a RM280 billion target is achievable provided there is political stability and the people of Sarawak remain united,' he said. The Miri Marina Bridge project also supports broader plans to connect Miri with key sites such as the planned Beraya township and Unesco sites in Niah and Mulu, along with improved road links to Marudi, Long Terawan, Bukit Buda and Lawas. Power supply in the region will also be upgraded from 275kV to 500kV to meet growing demand. Urging Sarawakians to remain united, Abang Johari warned against a 'crab mentality' and called for teamwork like that of ants to move Sarawak forward. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas also praised the state's infrastructure progress, noting that 16 bridges are currently being built across Sarawak, with several already completed. He added that the Premier will officiate the opening of the new Jepak Bridge in Bintulu this week. Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Secretary Datuk Amar Abu Bakar Marzuki, state ministers, local leaders, and representatives from NGOs and government agencies. Abang Johari lead Miri Marina Bridge San Francisco of Sarawak
Borneo Post
13 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier: Early signs point to promising gas potential at Miri's Adong Kechil West onshore field
Abang Johari (seated centre) speaks to reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony of Miri Marina Bridge project today. MIRI (July 22): Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is optimistic about the commercial potential of the SK433 Adong Kechil West (AKW) onshore gas field here, citing encouraging early signs from ongoing exploration work. Speaking to reporters after launching the RM450 million Miri Marina Bridge project today, he said the use of advanced technology had strengthened confidence in the field's viability. 'Early indication is good,' he said, though he declined to disclose reserve estimates or a production timeline. His remarks come after feasibility studies by state oil and gas company Petros – Sarawak's sole gas aggregator – suggested the presence of significant gas reserves at the onshore site. Drilling at the AKW field began in October 2023, marking Sarawak's return to onshore exploration after a 50-year break. Located within Block SK433, a 3,100 sq km area awarded to Petros in July 2021, the project is a joint effort with Petra Energy Bhd. Abang Johari said the gas from AKW will supply a 400-megawatt power plant being built in Lutong, which is set to start operations in 2027. Earlier this year, Petros updated Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan on plans to accelerate the AKW drilling project by 2025. Petros Senior Vice President Datuk Abang Arabi Abang Narudin outlined supporting infrastructure plans including road access, oil transfer terminals, and the gas power plant – all aimed at benefiting nearby communities. Onshore data gathering using Enhanced Full Tensor Gravity Gradiometer (eFTG) technology is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2025. Back in 2013, Petronas had announced a major discovery at the Adong Kecil West-1 well in Block SK333, about 20 km northeast of Miri. The well, drilled to a depth of 3,170 metres by JX Nippon Oil & Gas Exploration and Petronas Carigali, found around 349 metres of net hydrocarbon deposits. Abang Johari Adong Kechil West miri oil and gas
