Latest news with #PostCovid-19DevelopmentStrategy2030
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Unity and cooperation key to Sarawak's future, says Head of State
Wan Junaidi and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi wish all Sarawakians a blessed Sarawak Day. KUCHING (July 21): Sarawakians are urged to continue staying united and working closely with the government to secure a more glorious future for the state. In making this call, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar noted that Sarawak's economy has shown strong resilience after the pandemic and is now ready to leap onto the global stage in the fields of green energy and digital. 'This progress will not happen without close cooperation between the government, the people and the private sector. The government provides policies and infrastructure, the private sector is the driver of investment and the people are the supporters of development aspirations,' he said in his Sarawak Day 2025 message today. He hailed Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg as a capable leader who steers Sarawak toward progress through the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, focusing on digital economic growth, renewable energy development including green hydrogen, bioeconomy, as well as investment in education and innovation. Wan Junaidi described July 22, 1963 as an important symbol of the identity of Sarawakians. He recalled that the British Colonial administration, on that day, agreed to establish 'Self-Government' in Sarawak and appointed the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan as the Chief Minister of Sarawak and formed his own cabinet to take over the administration from the British. 'This event was an important initial step in Sarawak's preparation to join (in) the formation of Malaysia with Sabah, Singapore and Malaya. This handover of power took place before Sarawak officially became part of the Federation of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963. 'This event was the starting point for the formation of Sarawak's identity as a sovereign state within the Federation of Malaysia. We remember the early pioneers such as Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan and Dato Sri Tawi Sli, who played an important roles in shaping our own administration,' he said. He also expressed his appreciation to former chief ministers including the late Tun Datuk Patinggi Abdul Rahman Ya'kub, the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem for their great contributions to the development of Sarawak. Wan Junaidi also called for the spirit of unity and harmony to be maintained, for it is the pillar of Sarawak's stability and progress. 'May this Sarawak Day 2025 further inflame the love for the state, and serve as an encouragement for us to continue moving forward with confidence and unity,' he said. lead Sarawak Day message 2025 Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sarawak-linked stocks tipped to benefit from election-driven development boost
KUALA LUMPUR: Investor interest in Sarawak-linked stocks could pick up in the coming quarters as the state ramps up infrastructure and clean energy development ahead of its next election, which must be held by April 2027. CIMB Securities said the state's record-high RM15.8 billion budget for 2025, nearly 70 per cent of which is earmarked for development expenditure, along with its ambitious Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), could act as catalysts for related counters. "We expect renewed investor interest in Sarawak-linked names ahead of its state election," the brokerage said in a strategy note following a field trip to assess the state's growth prospects and strategic developments. Key potential beneficiaries include Gamuda Bhd, IJM Corp Bhd, Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd (CMS), Ibraco Bhd, CCK Consolidated Holdings Bhd and Supreme Consolidated Resources Bhd. Gamuda is seen as a frontrunner to secure road contracts worth RM1 billion, while IJM is re-establishing its presence through two contracts under the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS). Ibraco has expanded into water pipe and asphalt production, aligning with Sarawak's RM4 billion water grid upgrade initiative. The company's current order book stands at RM962 million, with ongoing work including the Samarahan bridge and road project, as well as the KUTS Blue Line. CIMB Securities said the scale of development spending under PCDS 2030 could create meaningful opportunities for listed companies with operations or supply chain exposure in Sarawak. CMS, one of the oldest listed companies in the state, is the sole integrated cement producer in Sarawak and recently secured a RM550 million contract to build the Borneo Convention Centre II. The company is also expanding clinker production capacity and holds road maintenance concessions covering 3,300 kilometres of state roads until 2029. CIMB noted that CMS shares are trading at a 60 per cent discount to book value, with the group backed by a net cash position of nearly RM500 million as at March 31. In the consumer space, food distributors CCK and Supreme are expected to benefit from rising disposable incomes and population growth. CCK operates 79 outlets across Sabah and Sarawak, maintains a net cash balance of RM201 million and is targeting three to four new store openings per year. Supreme is expanding its warehouse capacity in Kuching by 162 per cent and is trading at a 13 per cent discount to its net tangible asset value of RM0.27 per share. CIMB Securities said companies such as CCK and Supreme are seen as proxies to rising consumer demand in Sarawak, supported by the state's broader economic growth. Under PCDS 2030, Sarawak aims to become a developed, high-income state by 2030, with a gross domestic product target of RM282 billion, up from RM136 billion in 2019, implying an annual growth rate of around eight per cent. However, the firm noted that some large-scale projects, such as those involving green hydrogen and floating solar, may offer limited direct participation for listed local players in the near term due to high technical and capital requirements that favour foreign consortiums. Key risks to the Sarawak investment theme include external economic headwinds, funding constraints, talent shortages and increasing competition from unlisted and foreign contractors.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Rentap: English literacy vital for Sarawak to meet demands of globalised, tech-driven world
Rentap (third left) said SELC 2025 will involve internationally renowned speakers sharing valuable methodologies and global best practices. KUCHING (July 18): English literacy plays a pivotal role in strengthening Sarawak's human capital development and preparing the younger generation for the demands of an increasingly globalised and technology-driven world, said Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu. The Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development said Sarawak will require a highly skilled workforce especially in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in line with its Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, focusing on economic growth, environmental sustainability and social inclusivity. 'English is not just a language; it is a tool for access,' he said in a statement to promote the Sarawak English Literary Conference (SELC) 2025 on Sept 17-19. Rentap, who is an SELC 2025 advisor, said STEM must be accompanied by strong English literacy, beginning from early childhood. According to him, introducing synthetic phonics at an early age has proven effective in building strong language foundations that can later support science and technological learning. He said SELC 2025 will bring in internationally renowned speakers in phonics, education, and STEM — all of whom will share valuable methodologies and global best practices. 'With support from international experts from Jolly Learning and STEM Learning UK, we want our educators, not just in Sarawak but from across Malaysia and beyond, to benefit from this knowledge-sharing opportunity,' he said. Rentap also spoke on the strategic importance of investing in educators themselves, asserting that a strong education system depends not only on the curriculum but also on the capacity and commitment of its teachers. 'If we are to prepare our youth for tomorrow's challenges, from hydrogen energy to aerospace, from carbon management to artificial intelligence, then our teachers must be equipped with the tools and vision to guide them,' he said. He thanked the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development; Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development; Sarawak State Education Department; and Business Events Sarawak for supporting the event. With the introduction of free tertiary education in Sarawak from next year, he said the emphasis on literacy and technical knowledge is more crucial than ever. 'We want our youth to have every opportunity to succeed, not only here in Sarawak but on the global stage. If they are equipped with strong English skills and a foundation in science and technology, they can go anywhere,' added Rentap. SELC 2025 is designed as a strategic platform to support the Sarawak government's ongoing efforts to elevate English language proficiency across all levels of education, from early childhood to tertiary. It aspires to influence future educational policies and strategies, helping to position Sarawak as a knowledge-forward and future-ready state by 2030. For more information and registration details, visit or call Emierson on 082-555189 or email [email protected]. Gerald Rentap Jabu lead Sarawak English Literary Conference
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
OTSM launches RM2 bln polysilicon plant construction in Bintulu, eyes 2029 operations
Abang Johari (centre) and other dignitaries officiate the groundbreaking ceremony for the OTSM plant. SAMALAJU (July 16): OCI Tokuyama Semiconductor Materials Sdn Bhd (OTSM) has officially launched the construction of its RM2 billion semiconductor-grade polysilicon plant at the Samalaju Industrial Park, marking a major milestone in Sarawak's industrialisation push. The facility, spanning 13.7 hectares, will have an annual production capacity of 8,000 metric tonnes of high-purity polysilicon for the semiconductor industry, targeting export markets in South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. Operations are expected to commence in 2029. Construction is set to begin in the third quarter of this year, with mechanical completion projected for the first quarter of 2027. OTSM is a 50:50 joint venture between South Korea's OCI TerraSus Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of OCI Holdings, and Japan's Tokuyama Corporation. The project is expected to create around 200 high-value jobs, contributing to Sarawak's economic growth and the development of its technical workforce. This marks OCI TerraSus' second major investment in Sarawak, following the launch of its joint venture with Kumho P&B Chemicals – OCI Kumho – to produce epichlorohydrin (ECH), a key component in epoxy resins and water treatment chemicals. During the groundbreaking ceremony, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg witnessed the signing of a 10-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between OCI TerraSus and Syarikat Sesco Berhad, the operations and retail arm of Sarawak Energy. Under the agreement, the new plant will receive 80 megawatts of power from Sarawak Energy for a 10-year period starting in 2029. OCI Holdings and OCI TerraSus Chairman Lee WooHyun said the joint venture between OCI TerraSus and Tokuyama was especially meaningful, bringing together industrial powerhouses from Korea and Japan in a rare international collaboration. 'It is a powerful reflection of our strong confidence in Sarawak as a strategic investment destination. 'We believe this plant is more than just a physical structure, it is a symbol of what can be achieved when vision, values, and partnerships align. 'It stands as a model for innovation, sustainability, and meaningful local impact,' he said. Lee said the investment also reflects confidence in Sarawak's leadership, stability, and long-term vision under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030. 'We are confident that our OTSM plant will play a pivotal role in achieving this vision by creating high-quality jobs and transferring global best practices. 'We are grateful to the Sarawak Government and Sarawak Energy Berhad for creating an ecosystem that welcomes responsible industrial growth. 'Their strategic policies and renewable energy infrastructure are key enablers of this international partnership,' he said. He also emphasised the importance of developing a skilled local workforce, highlighting institutions such as Centexs and the Sarawak Skills Development Centre as key partners. 'OCI TerraSus is proud to deepen our roots in Sarawak. This is not just an investment in infrastructure, it is an investment in people, in innovation, and in a shared future built on sustainability and trust,' Lee added. In a recorded message, Tokuyama Corporation President Hiroshi Yokota said the project would further strengthen Sarawak's role in the global semiconductor supply chain. 'With the seasoned technical expertise and experience of OCI and Tokuyama, along with the support of the Sarawak state government, the region's talented workforce, and competitive energy source, we will be able to produce high-quality products consistently,' he said. lead OTSM polysilicon plant Samalaju Semiconductor
Borneo Post
12-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Churches play vital role in fostering strong, caring society, says S'wak minister
Lee (fourth left) handing over a food basket to a recipient during the charity sales programme. MIRI (July 12): Religious institutions such as churches play a vital role in shaping society, not only by providing spiritual guidance but also by strengthening families, promoting moral values, and fostering unity, said Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. Speaking at the Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) Morsjaya Charity Sale here today, Lee underscored the church's importance in cultivating a resilient and values-driven community – an effort that aligns closely with the state government's vision of holistic human development. 'The church does more than offer spiritual support. It contributes to family building, community cohesion, and the cultivation of ethics and values. 'These are the pillars of a strong and caring society,' said Lee, who is also Senadin assemblyman. The charity event was held to raise funds for a van recently acquired by the church to support its ministry and outreach activities. Commending the initiative, Lee described it as a noble effort that reflects the spirit of cooperation and empathy among the local community. He said the Sarawak government's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) supports such community-driven efforts, as the state aspires to build not just an economically resilient society, but one that is also socially and morally grounded. Lee also highlighted the vital role of the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) in supporting non-Islamic religious institutions across the state. He noted that RM110 million has been allocated under Unifor this year to assist with infrastructure upgrades and other support services for non-Muslim communities. 'Sarawak is the only state in Malaysia to consistently allocate significant annual funding to support religious diversity. This reflects our commitment to inclusion and mutual respect,' he said. On a related note, Lee pledged continued support for community initiatives and said his office had received several requests from the church, which he would carefully consider to determine how best to assist. He also voiced his support for the church's aspiration to establish a permanent facility that could double as a community activity centre, benefitting the wider public. 'This is not just about building infrastructure – it's about building stronger community ties,' he added. Lee also called on all Mirians to play their part in nurturing a caring and united society based on love, support, and mutual respect. During the event, he announced an allocation of RM5,000 for the church's activities, as well as RM10,000 to assist with financing the newly purchased van. The programme also saw the presentation of food baskets to senior members of the BEM congregation. Also present were BEM Miri chairman Pastor Loter Sakai; BEM Morsjaya pastors-in-charge Alan Lutu and Pastor Petrus Matias; and charity sales organising chairman Deacon Penghulu Randi Elon. BEM Morsjaya Charity Sale Borneo Evangelical Mission Lee Kim Shin miri
