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Borneo Post
16 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Awang Tengah: Sarawak, Brunei ties key to economic growth
Awang Tengah (fourth right) during a group photo with Mohamad (fifth right), Erywan (fifth left) and others at the EOL-26. – Ukas photo KUCHING (July 24): The longstanding and close relationship between Sarawak and Brunei holds the key to unlocking greater economic growth, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. The International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister pointed out the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two regions, particularly in investment, development of the Miri-Limbang-Lawas region, and tourism. 'The tourism sector in northern Sarawak has been identified to have high potential to drive economic growth,' he said at the 26th Meeting of the Implementation of the Exchange of Letters between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam (EOL-26) in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Awang Tengah attended the meeting, which was co-chaired by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Brunei's Minister of Foreign Affairs II Datuk Seri Setia Erywan Mohd Yusof, according to a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report. Among the main focuses of the meeting included efforts to strengthen economic cooperation and cross-border development, especially involving strategic areas such as Sarawak and Brunei EOL-26 served as an important platform to refine the implementation of bilateral agreements and understandings that have been signed between the two neighbouring countries. This meeting also laid the groundwork for the 26th Malaysia–Brunei Annual Leaders' Consultation, which is scheduled to take place next month and will be hosted by Malaysia. Sarawak's active participation in EOL-26 reflected the government's commitment to high-impact bilateral cooperation, in line with the economic diplomacy aspirations outlined by the federal government. Awang Tengah brunei economic growth lead
Borneo Post
02-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Awang Tengah: Sarawak shifts focus to value-added exports and green energy leadership
Awang Tengah (seated centre) in a group photo with guests and participants during the event. Also seen are Mussen (seated third right), Reezal (seated third left) and other officials. 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
Borneo Post
02-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak posts RM16.8 bln trade surplus in Q1 2025, says Awang Tengah
Awang Tengah (centre) applauds after symbolically launching Sarawak Export Day 2025 by lighting up the event's symbol during today's ceremony. Also present are Mussen (fourth right), Reezal (fourth left), and other officials. KUCHING (July 2): Sarawak recorded a trade surplus of RM16.8 billion in the first quarter of 2025, maintaining strong economic momentum amid global uncertainties, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. Citing official figures, the International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister said the state's exports in 2024 rose by 2.3 per cent to RM133.8 billion, driven mainly by key commodities such as liquefied natural gas, crude petroleum, and crude palm oil. He also revealed that imports increased by 3.1 per cent to RM64.5 billion, while the state's trade surplus expanded by 1.5 per cent to RM69.3 billion. 'Building on this, the first quarter of 2025 has shown continued strength with a RM16.8 billion trade surplus, reflecting Sarawak's steady momentum,' he said during his keynote address at the launching ceremony of Sarawak Export Day 2025 held at a local hotel here today. The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (Mintred) and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade). Awang Tengah said that Sarawak's trade performance continues to be a pillar of economic growth, showing resilience despite the challenging global environment. He also said the state government is committed to transforming the state's economy by shifting from raw commodity exports towards value-added products, in line with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 He highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships with trade agencies and industrial players to unlock access to regional and global markets. Awang Tengah said Sarawak currently has trade offices in Singapore and Brunei, with a new office set to open in Pontianak to further strengthen regional connectivity. 'We are laying the groundwork for advanced manufacturing, green economy initiatives and digital-based exports. Our aim is to make Sarawak an export-ready economy that is innovative, inclusive and sustainable. 'The federal and Sarawak governments stand ready to support both large exporters and MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) through agencies such as Mintred, Matrade and SME Corp Malaysia,' he said. He also revealed that since 2021, interest subsidy schemes have benefited over 3,300 MSMEs with RM75.5 million in subsidies, while approximately 178,000 entrepreneurs have received RM3.3 billion in financial assistance. Awang Tengah urged Sarawakian businesses to embrace digitalisation and sustainability to remain competitive in the evolving global market. 'We are rich in natural resources, but that alone is not enough. We must equip our people and industries with knowledge, skills and innovation to build a future-ready Sarawak. 'Today's buyers are not just looking at price and quality. They want sustainability and exporters must meet international standards and adopt responsible practices,' he said. Awang Tengah concluded his keynote address by urging exporters to explore emerging markets in Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America, in order to diversify trade partners and reduce dependency on traditional markets. Also present during the event were Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican and other officials. Sarawak Export Day 2025 is part of the state's wider effort to equip local businesses with the tools and knowledge to thrive in global trade and the event gathered industry players, policymakers, and trade experts for knowledge sharing and networking. Awang Tengah exports imports lead Sarawal trade surplus
Borneo Post
28-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak scales up entrepreneur support through skills, grants, digital tools
Awang Tengah (fourth right) prepares to officiate at SUS 2025, witnessed by (from left) Iskandar, Ripin, Malcolm, Asfia, Naroden, Pang and Dzulkornain. BINTULU (June 28): The Sarawak government remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing entrepreneurial development across the state. According to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, the state administration is actively building entrepreneurial capacity through initiatives focused on essential skills such as accounting fundamentals and digital proficiency. He added that between 2021 and April 2025, the State Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (Mintred), together with state and federal agencies, had implemented over 930 capacity-building programmes that had benefitted more than 73,000 entrepreneurs throughout Sarawak. 'Access to business assistance, whether financial or advisory, is crucial for entrepreneurs to start, sustain and grow their ventures,' said Awang Tengah, also the state Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, in his opening remarks for the Showcase Usahawan Sarawak (SUS) 2025 at Times Square Megamall here on Friday. The event, which concludes today, was jointly organised by Mintred and its strategic partners. Also present at the opening ceremony were Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; Deputy Minister for Mintred, Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh; Deputy State Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat; assemblymen Iskandar Turkee (Jepak) and Johnny Pang (Tanjong Batu), as well as Mintred advisor Dato Sri Mohd Naroden Majais and its permanent secretary Dzulkornain Masron. Adding on, Awang Tengah said the Sarawak government had rolled out extensive support programmes through Mintred, as well as departments and agencies including the Department of Agriculture Sarawak, Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), and Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC). 'Mintred alone has channelled RM204 million in assistance to more than 41,800 MSMEs (micro small-and-medium enterprises) in Sarawak under various programmes including the Graduate Towards Entrepreneurship (GERAK) and Technical and Vocational Entrepreneurs (USTEV) , which provide grants of up to RM20,000 to graduates and skilled school-leavers to help them start up and expand their businesses. 'The government also runs the Go Digital programme, offering grants of up to RM10,000 to facilitate the purchase of digital hardware, software and services. 'The Sarawak Micro Credit Scheme (SKMS) provides financial assistance for MSMEs to expand their operations, while the Small and Medium Industry Loan Scheme (SPIKS) supports Bumiputera-owned SMEs in obtaining working capital, purchasing equipment, or renovating business premises. 'Additionally, the 'Jum REGISTA Bisnes', implemented by Mintred in collaboration with other agencies, has helped register 4,280 informal entrepreneurs into the formal business sector.' Awang Tengah thus called upon Sarawak entrepreneurs to actively seize the opportunities offered through these government initiatives to grow and future-proof their businesses. 'To date, over 178,000 entrepreneurs in Sarawak have received support from both state and federal agencies, amounting to more than RM3.3 billion. These efforts will continue to ensure our entrepreneurs thrive and scale up their ventures.' Meanwhile, a total of RM1,556,000 was disbursed to the participants of entrepreneurial assistance, in connection with SUS 2025 here. On the showcase, Awang Tengah highlighted it as a platform not only to showcase and market quality products from across Sarawak's districts and divisions, but also to connect local entrepreneurs with wider markets. 'The 2024 SUS editions in Miri and AEON Mall Tebrau City in Johor Bahru generated RM17.7 million in combined sales, with participation from 100 Sarawakian entrepreneurs. 'One standout success story from SUS in Miri is Watiza Agrofarm Sdn Bhd, a company that produces salted duck eggs. Through business-matching sessions, they achieved RM1 million in potential sales,' he said. Watiza Agrofarm further raised Sarawak's profile at the national level when, on Jan 20 this year, it emerged as a winner in the Rural Business Challenge (RBC) 2.0, organised by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), which earned it a business grant of RM500,000. The SUS 2025 event also involved the participation of six major retail chains – Emart, Everrise, AEON, Doremart, Mydin, and Mari Mart – with projected sales of RM3 million. In addition, Mintred, in collaboration with the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), had set up a 'live streaming booth' to enable entrepreneurs promote and sell their products online via TikTok Shop live sessions. Other activities include the 'Kamek Digital Entrepreneurial Transformation Course' at Promenade Hotel Bintulu, which signed up over 150 participants, as well as an embroidery workshop held on the main SUS stage. The next SUS is scheduled to take place at Queensbay Mall in Penang this Aug 28 until Sept 1. Awang Tengah entrepreneurial development Mintred
Borneo Post
28-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
RM6 mln state govt grant to boost buffalo farming in Limbang, says Deputy Premier
Awang Tengah (fourth right) and other guests during the opening ceremony. MIRI (June 28): The Sarawak government has approved a grant of approximately RM6 million to the Sarawak Bisaya Charitable Trust to expand buffalo farming in Batu Danau, Limbang. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, when announcing this, said the funding, approved by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, aims to strengthen buffalo breeding efforts and production of buffalo-based products in northern Sarawak, particularly in Lawas and Limbang. 'This is a good initiative because the Sarawak government has decided that Limbang and Lawas will be key areas for buffalo production, with strong community involvement to support the state's broader economic goals,' he said during the opening of Babulang Festival and Buffalo Race 2025 here today. Awang Tengah, who is State Natural Resources and Urban Development, and State International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister, added that the Maragang Buffalo Breeding Station in Lawas had already demonstrated the potential of producing high-quality buffalo milk. He encouraged the Bisaya community to seize the opportunity by leveraging the natural strengths of their environment to venture into agriculture and livestock production. 'I believe they are capable of planning and implementing this project effectively. They have experience, and other communities in Limbang can also benefit from this economic opportunity,' he said. Also present at the event were State Deputy Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail; Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong; Batu Danau assemblyman Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang; Limbang Resident Unos Tambi; and Sarawak Bisaya Association (PBS) president Joseph Blandoi. Meanwhile, Awang Tengah said the Babulang Festival has grown to become a major annual event in Sarawak's tourism calendar, drawing both local and international visitors. The festival features traditional Bisaya cultural events such as the buffalo races, Ratu Babulang and Nakod Babulang competitions, raft races, tug-of-war, and other cultural performances. These events celebrate and showcase the vibrant heritage of the Bisaya people. Held every year in early June, Pesta Babulang is more than just a celebration, it is a deeply meaningful cultural gathering that unites the Bisaya community and highlights their traditions to a wider audience. 'The uniqueness of Babulang not only strengthens community bonds but also promotes Bisaya culture at both national and international levels,' Awang Tengah added. Awang Tengah Babulang Festival buffalo farming limbang
