Latest news with #PostCOVID-19DevelopmentStrategy
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Borneo Post
STB's ecoGreenPlanet hits 62 pct of tree planting target at PNR Miri
(Holding banner, from second right) Dennis, Yii, and participants commemorate the programme with a group photo. MIRI (July 19): Over 6,000 trees have now been planted across Sarawak under the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) ecoGreenPlanet initiative. Following the planting of 2,500 seedlings at Piasau Nature Reserve (PNR) here, the initiative has reached 62 per cent of its target to plant 10,000 trees by 2027. Speaking at the tree planting event at PNR yesterday, STB chairman Dato Dennis Ngau said the effort reflects a deeper commitment to sustainability beyond mere rhetoric. 'Today is not only about planting trees. It is about planting hope, partnerships, and accountability. 'It is about showing the world that Sarawak doesn't just talk about sustainability – we act on it,' he said. He added that Piasau Nature Reserve, with its natural beauty and rich biodiversity, serves as a fitting location to reaffirm Sarawak's pledge to environmental responsibility. The ecoGreenPlanet initiative was launched in 2023 in collaboration with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), as part of the state's broader environmental goals under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. Previous planting activities were also carried out at Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary and Bukit Lima Nature Reserve, where the trees planted are estimated to offset more than 1,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide over the next 10 years. 'Every seedling represents our belief that tourism can, and must, be a force for good,' Dennis emphasised. This year's planting also forms part of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2025 sustainability programme, which includes initiatives such as a shuttle bus system to reduce emissions and solar-powered charging stations and lighting supported by Sarawak Energy Berhad. 'Through the Rainforest World Music Festival, we are leading by example and showing what sustainable tourism can look like in action,' he concluded. Also present was Miri Mayor Adam Yii. ecoGreenPlanet Piasau Nature Reserve Sarawak Tourism Board tree planting
Barnama
16-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
OTSM's RM2 Bln Investment A Boost To Sarawak's Regional Tech Hub Ambition
BINTULU, July 16 (Bernama) -- OCI Tokuyama Semiconductor Materials Sdn Bhd's (OTSM) RM2 billion investment to establish a semiconductor-grade polysilicon plant at the Samalaju Industrial Park here is a strategic milestone that reinforces Sarawak's position in the global semiconductor value chain. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the investment by a joint venture between South Korea's OCI Company Ltd and Japan's Tokuyama Corporation reflects international confidence in Sarawak's political stability, industrial infrastructure and long-term development vision. 'This marks a significant milestone in advancing high-technology industrial development in the region. It also underscores our commitment to sustainable partnerships that will power the future,' he said at the groundbreaking ceremony here today. Abang Johari noted that the facility, expected to be the first of its kind outside Japan and South Korea, will produce high-purity polysilicon – a critical material used in the production of semiconductors for smartphones, electric vehicles, data centres and artificial intelligence (AI). He said the project supports Sarawak's Semiconductor Strategic Framework, which aims to establish the state as a regional hub for advanced technology manufacturing. 'With this investment, Sarawak strengthens its position in the global semiconductor value chain and moves closer to becoming a regional technology hub,' he said. Highlighting Sarawak's green energy credentials, Abang Johari said 70 per cent of the state's electricity is generated from hydropower, supported by emerging solar technologies, which positions Sarawak as a prime location for sustainable and environmentally friendly investments. 'Sustainability is the core of our Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS). With green energy from hydro and solar, Sarawak is poised to support global demand for certified green materials,' he said. He also revealed ongoing efforts to enhance Sarawak's technological capabilities through the development of an artificial intelligence-powered semiconductor chip in collaboration with academic institutions in the United Kingdom.
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
OTSM's RM2 bil investment boosts Sarawak's tech hub ambition
BINTULU: OCI Tokuyama Semiconductor Materials Sdn Bhd (OTSM) has committed RM2 billion to build a semiconductor-grade polysilicon plant at Samalaju Industrial Park, marking a strategic leap for Sarawak's role in the global semiconductor industry. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the joint venture between South Korea's OCI Company Ltd and Japan's Tokuyama Corporation highlights international trust in the state's stability, infrastructure, and long-term vision. 'This is a major milestone for high-tech industrial growth in Sarawak. It reflects our dedication to sustainable partnerships that will shape the future,' he said during the groundbreaking ceremony. The facility, the first of its kind outside Japan and South Korea, will produce high-purity polysilicon, a key material for semiconductors used in smartphones, electric vehicles, data centres, and AI. Abang Johari emphasised that the project aligns with Sarawak's Semiconductor Strategic Framework, which aims to position the state as a regional hub for advanced tech manufacturing. 'This investment solidifies Sarawak's place in the global semiconductor supply chain and brings us closer to becoming a regional tech leader,' he added. Sarawak's green energy advantage was also highlighted, with 70 per cent of its electricity sourced from hydropower and solar energy. 'Sustainability drives our Post COVID-19 Development Strategy. Our green energy makes Sarawak ideal for eco-friendly investments,' he said. The Premier also shared plans to develop an AI-powered semiconductor chip in collaboration with UK academic institutions, with international intellectual property registration targeted by year-end. To support industry growth, the state government offers free tertiary education at local universities, ensuring a skilled workforce for future tech demands. 'Sustainable and green products will define global competitiveness, and Sarawak is prepared to lead,' he concluded. - Bernama
Borneo Post
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Permanent Secretary: Smart flood control system must evolve with climate, urban demands
(From third left) Desmond, Cassidy and other dignitaries touch the screen to symbolically launch the seminar. KUCHING (July 9): Sarawak must adopt smarter, more resilient flood control systems to cope with the dual pressures of rapid urbanisation and climate change, said Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Desmond Douglas Jerukan. He said the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, particularly floods, have made it clear that urgent and coordinated action is needed. 'Sarawak, like many rapidly urbanising regions around the world, is facing a growing set of challenges tied to climate change and urban development. 'The increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather, especially floods, has made it clear that we must act decisively and collaboratively. 'Our cities, infrastructure and communities require flood management systems that are not only robust, but also intelligent and adaptable,' he said when officiating at the Seminar on Improving Flood Control in Stormwater Systems for Sarawak: Current Status, Challenges and Capabilities 2025 here yesterday. Desmond described the seminar as a timely platform that aligns with the state's broader development goals. 'It offers a much-needed space for technical exchange, strategic dialogue and innovation sharing. 'More importantly, it supports the aspirations outlined in Sarawak's Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. 'Under this strategy, our state is committed to achieving high-income status, environmental sustainability and social inclusivity through innovation and digital transformation,' he said. He stressed that flood resilience, stormwater management, and digital infrastructure must not be seen solely not just as engineering challenges, but as key enablers of economic growth, public safety and environmental protection. Desmond said the integrated approach discussed at the seminar reflects the importance of combining policy, technology and practical solutions to address issues such as outdated drainage in fast-developing areas, fragmented hydrological data, and a lack of coordinated planning across agencies. He noted that persistent challenges include ageing infrastructure, inconsistent data collection, and the complex nature of inter-agency coordination. The seminar offered a strategic overview of the state's current stormwater infrastructure and ongoing flood mitigation efforts, while highlighting relevant policy frameworks and digital innovations now reshaping how water systems are designed and managed. Topics covered included real-time data monitoring, predictive modelling and the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in infrastructure development. The event also underscored the importance of inter-agency coordination, data-sharing and capacity-building for long-term success. It also addressed key technical and operational challenges, including limited modelling accuracy and the need for stronger cross-jurisdictional collaboration. Also present as one of the keynote speakers was Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak director Dr Cassidy Morris. climate change Douglas Jerukan flood control systems urbanisation
Borneo Post
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
‘Smart flood control system must evolve with climate, urban demands'
(From third left) Desmond, Cassidy and other dignitaries touch the screen to symbolically launch the seminar. KUCHING (July 9): Sarawak must adopt smarter, more resilient flood control systems to cope with the dual pressures of rapid urbanisation and climate change, said Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Desmond Douglas Jerukan. He said the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, particularly floods, have made it clear that urgent and coordinated action is needed. 'Sarawak, like many rapidly urbanising regions around the world, is facing a growing set of challenges tied to climate change and urban development. 'The increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather, especially floods, has made it clear that we must act decisively and collaboratively. 'Our cities, infrastructure and communities require flood management systems that are not only robust, but also intelligent and adaptable,' he said when officiating at the Seminar on Improving Flood Control in Stormwater Systems for Sarawak: Current Status, Challenges and Capabilities 2025 here yesterday. Desmond described the seminar as a timely platform that aligns with the state's broader development goals. 'It offers a much-needed space for technical exchange, strategic dialogue and innovation sharing. 'More importantly, it supports the aspirations outlined in Sarawak's Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. 'Under this strategy, our state is committed to achieving high-income status, environmental sustainability and social inclusivity through innovation and digital transformation,' he said. He stressed that flood resilience, stormwater management, and digital infrastructure must not be seen solely not just as engineering challenges, but as key enablers of economic growth, public safety and environmental protection. Desmond said the integrated approach discussed at the seminar reflects the importance of combining policy, technology and practical solutions to address issues such as outdated drainage in fast-developing areas, fragmented hydrological data, and a lack of coordinated planning across agencies. He noted that persistent challenges include ageing infrastructure, inconsistent data collection, and the complex nature of inter-agency coordination. The seminar offered a strategic overview of the state's current stormwater infrastructure and ongoing flood mitigation efforts, while highlighting relevant policy frameworks and digital innovations now reshaping how water systems are designed and managed. Topics covered included real-time data monitoring, predictive modelling and the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in infrastructure development. The event also underscored the importance of inter-agency coordination, data-sharing and capacity-building for long-term success. It also addressed key technical and operational challenges, including limited modelling accuracy and the need for stronger cross-jurisdictional collaboration. Also present as one of the keynote speakers was Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak director Dr Cassidy Morris. climate change Douglas Jerukan flood control systems urbanisation
