Latest news with #PostCovid-19DevelopmentStrategy2030
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
S'wak to be first state in M'sia to set up dedicated D2EI unit, says Premier
Abang Johari (fifth right), accompanied by other dignitaries, prepares to touch the D2EI Cube as a symbolic gesture to launch the Sarawak Women's Day 2025 celebration. — Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (Aug 2): Sarawak will be the first state in Malaysia to establish a dedicated Diversity, Equality, Equity and Inclusivity (D2EI) unit under the state Department of Women and Family, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The unit, which adopts the D2EI theme of Sarawak's Women's Day 2025, embodies the state's commitment to a people-centred development approach that upholds fairness in diversity regardless of geography, gender, ethnicity, religion or ability. At the Sarawak Women's Day 2025 celebration held at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here today, Abang Johari said the state government intends to strengthen women's involvement in high-growth sectors. 'This includes support in the form of economic grants, digital entrepreneurship training and start-up assistance. We have grants from the government and the state holds some influence in Affin Bank as a major stakeholder. 'We have asked the bank to assist us in investment-related efforts, including lifelong learning opportunities. This will certainly empower women more comprehensively in line with the D2EI values,' he said. He added the D2EI principles align with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, which also emphasises inclusivity, and believed these values could help raise household income and reduce poverty across the state over time. Meanwhile, Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said her ministry is working with key organisations including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the 30% Club, and the Asian Women Leadership University College (AWLUC) to further strengthen the direction and implementation of the D2EI initiative. In this regard, she said the ministry is seeking support and sponsorship from the Sarawak government to fund studies for selected individuals to pursue the Master of Arts in Leadership Development programme at AWLUC, which costs RM105,000 in total (RM35,000 per student for the entire duration). Abang Johari approved the request, stating that the funding would be disbursed through Yayasan Sarawak. Also present were deputy premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; and Sarawak State Secretary Dato Sri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki. Abang Johari D2EI diversity equality equity inclusivity
Borneo Post
29-07-2025
- 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
21-07-2025
- 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
21-07-2025
- 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
18-07-2025
- 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
