Latest news with #IndustryandInvestment
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Awang Tengah meets with Kalbar Governor to strengthen regional ties
Awang Tengah (third right) fields questions from the media in Pontianak. Ria Norsan is at right. PONTIANAK (July 30): A Sarawak delegation led by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan has met with West Kalimantan (Kalbar) Governor Drs H Ria Norsan here to strengthen regional ties. The pivotal meeting underscored Sarawak's commitment to deepening bilateral ties, attracting high-value investments, fostering innovation, and enhancing regional economic integration. During the meeting, Awang Tengah, who is Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment, highlighted Sarawak's role as a regional leader in renewable energy and a hub for semiconductor and aerospace industries, emphasising the state's drive for high-value investments and innovation. The discussion also covered air connectivity, including the resumption of the Kuching-Pontianak flight this September, the Sarawak government's takeover of MASwings and its rebranding as AirBorneo, as well as the 2024 launch of the Singkawang-Kuching bus route. 'These initiatives aim to enhance regional connectivity, cross-border trade, tourism, and business linkages across Borneo and the wider Asean region,' said Awang Tengah. He also advocated for the expedition of trade normalisation at the border, including a proposal for a joint economic border committee for mutual development. 'Both sides expressed strong interest in enhancing people-to-people and business-to-business exchanges. 'The upcoming Kuching–Pontianak direct flights, starting Sept 12, 2025, are expected to significantly boost tourism and healthcare access,' he said. He added that the Sarawak government's initiative to establish a Trade and Tourism Office (Stato) in Pontianak further solidifies the state's commitment to long-term regional integration. The visit concluded with a mutual commitment to joint initiatives that will enhance connectivity, promote innovation, and drive sustainable economic progress for both Sarawak and Kalbar. Awang Tengah Ali Hasan H Ria Norsan Kalimantan Barat lead
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Awg Tengah inspects potential locations for proposed Stato in Pontianak
(From second left, facing camera) Awang Tengah, Ripin and the Sarawak delegation are briefed at one of the potential locations for Stato. KUCHING (July 30): Sarawak is one step closer to establishing a stronger foothold in Kalimantan, Indonesia with the proposed Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office (Stato) in Pontianak, aimed at fortifying trade, investment and tourism links across borders. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan on Monday led a high-level delegation from Sarawak to inspect two potential locations in Pontianak that could host the Stato premises. 'Stato is envisioned to facilitate business linkages, promote Sarawak's cultural and natural assets, and support micro, small, and medium enterprises in expanding their market reach. 'It will also serve as a conduit for talent development and collaborative initiatives aligned with Sarawak's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030,' he said in a statement issued by his office yesterday. According to the statement, Awang Tengah, who is also International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister, was in Pontianak—West Kalimantan's capital city—to continue his working visit to promote trade and investment between both regions. It added the visit underscores Sarawak's commitment to regional diplomacy and inclusive economic development, reinforcing the state's role as a proactive and connected player within the Borneo economic corridor. The Sarawak delegation comprised Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, Economic Planning Unit Director Datu Lester Mathhew, and Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment permanent secretary Dzulkornain Masron. Also present was Consul of the Malaysian Consulate in Pontianak, Azizul Zekri Abd Rahim. Awang Tengah Ali Hasan lead Pontianak Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office
Borneo Post
24-07-2025
- 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
