September 25, 2026 | Sarawak · China · ASEAN · green economy · hydrogen · PCDS 2030 · investment
Asia Economic Research Institute (AERI)
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state welcomes greater cooperation with Chinese companies, universities and institutions, particularly those seeking to expand their presence in the wider ASEAN region. His speech was read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at a dinner in Kuching on the evening of 24 September 2026 marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
Abang Johari said Sarawak's strategic location in the heart of Borneo and within ASEAN, coupled with its renewable energy resources, improving connectivity, digital infrastructure and growing industrial base, positioned the state to participate more actively in regional supply chains.
"We therefore welcome greater cooperation with Chinese companies and institutions that are looking towards ASEAN for their next phase of growth."
The Premier said China remained an important partner for Sarawak, with Chinese strengths in advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, digital technology, infrastructure and innovation complementing the state's development priorities.
He identified particularly strong potential in the green economy, as Sarawak builds on its hydropower resources while developing opportunities in hydrogen, solar energy, energy storage and other clean technologies.
"Chinese expertise and technological capabilities can complement Sarawak's resources and ambitions, while Sarawak can provide a strategic platform for businesses seeking opportunities in the ASEAN region."
Abang Johari stressed that Sarawak's objective was not simply to attract investment, but to build an ecosystem in which investment generates technology transfer, develops local capabilities, strengthens supply chains and creates quality employment for Sarawakians. This, he said, is consistent with the state's broader aim of moving from a resource-based economy towards a higher-value, technology-driven and more diversified economy.
On industrial development, he said there was considerable scope for cooperation between Chinese companies and Sarawak's private sector. Sarawak welcomed partnerships enabling local companies — particularly small and medium enterprises — to participate in new value chains, and he also encouraged Sarawak businesses to explore opportunities in the Chinese market.
"A successful partnership should benefit both sides."
The Premier highlighted education, skills development, research and innovation as important components of the state's economic transformation, citing potential for collaboration with Chinese universities, research institutions and technology companies in artificial intelligence, healthcare, engineering, renewable energy and biotechnology. Such partnerships, he said, would give Sarawakian youth international exposure.
The remarks come as Sarawak deepens its economic transformation under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the Sarawak 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) for 2026-2030.
Chinese Consul-General in Kuching Xing Weiping said China is ready to be a sincere partner to Sarawak and contribute towards the state's development goals for 2030. He highlighted tangible projects including the Batang Lupar Bridge, which ended ferry-dependent travel for local residents, and the successful trial planting of perennial rice from Yunnan in Miri.
Xing said cooperation in infrastructure, new energy, urban transportation, digital economy, education and healthcare continues to intensify, and that Sarawak was increasingly becoming a model of friendly cooperation and win-win outcomes between China and Malaysia.
The remarks extend a thread familiar to AERI's own work in the state. On 9 June 2026, Deputy Premier Sim Kui Hian led a delegation to Beijing, meeting China's Vice Minister of Education Ren Youqun and Fudan University Vice President Chen Zhimin, marking the completion of all four required approvals for the Fudan University Sarawak branch campus. The same emphasis on education partnerships, technology transfer and local capability building runs through both.
Source: DayakDaily, "Premier: Sarawak welcomes Chinese firms eyeing ASEAN expansion" (25 September 2026), reporting on the dinner held in Kuching on 24 September 2026. Compiled by the Asia Economic Research Institute (AERI). This article reports statements of intent; no agreement was announced.
The Asia Economic Research Institute (AERI) is a think tank dedicated to regional economic research and cooperation in Asia. Since its establishment, the Institute has made promoting sustainable Asian economic development and facilitating regional economic integration its core mission, providing intellectual support and decision-making references for governments, enterprises, and international organizations through high-quality economic research, policy analysis, and academic exchange activities.