OSAKA (May 31): State-owned power utility Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) is partnering with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to collaborate on renewable energy development, cross-border energy infrastructure, and technical knowledge exchange.

SEB’s group chief executive officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with JBIC managing executive director Sekine Hiroki on the sidelines of Expo 2025 Osaka, during the opening of the Malaysian Pavilion officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

The MOU sets a framework for long-term strategic collaboration aligned with regional initiatives, such as the Asean Power Grid and Asia Zero Emission Community.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who witnessed the signing ceremony, said Sarawak is stepping up efforts to deepen Borneo’s integration into the Asean Power Grid, having supplied electricity to West Kalimantan, Indonesia, since 2016, and is now working to export power to Brunei.

“Sarawak will play its part to contribute to the Asean grid. Sarawak is also actively enhancing its grid infrastructure to strengthen power distribution across the state and beyond,” he said during a press conference following the signing ceremony.  

Awang Tengah noted that Sarawak is positioning itself as a regional hub for renewable energy, anchored by the state’s hydropower potential.

“Our hydropower resources, if fully developed, can generate at least 30,000MW,” he said. “Sarawak is targeting to increase our generating capacity to 10,000MW by 2030, and 15,000MW by 2035, with at least 70% coming from renewables.”

In addition to hydropower, Awang Tengah noted that Sarawak is pursuing solar power and bioenergy from biomass and waste as part of its low-carbon strategy.

Both SEB and JBIC aim to explore joint projects that support Sarawak’s renewable energy ambitions and Southeast Asia’s broader decarbonisation goals.

Awang Tengah also highlighted Sarawak’s broader industrial transformation efforts, which include diversification into hydrogen, carbon capture, oil and gas, petrochemicals, and aerospace.

“These developments complement our sustainable oil and gas sector and expansion into high-value downstream activities through advanced technologies and responsible practices,” he said.

“Sarawak is shaping a dynamic economic hub in Southeast Asia, balancing growth and environmental responsibility while pursuing long-term prosperity.”

He described the MOU as a timely development that would enhance collaboration between Sarawak and Japan.

“In this respect, I would like to invite more Japanese companies to invest and participate in Sarawak’s economic development agenda,” he said. “Tomorrow, I will be meeting a few more Japanese companies to further explore this.”

Awang Tengah also announced that Sarawak will be hosting "Sarawak Week" at the Malaysia Pavilion from Aug 3 to 9, under the theme "Sustainability for Tomorrow".

The event will include cultural performances and “pocket talks” on trade, investment, tourism, agriculture, oil and gas, renewable energy, and talent development.

Expo 2025 Osaka, running from April to October, serves as a global platform to foster sustainability, innovation and cross-border collaboration under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”.

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