KUCHING: Sarawak marked a pivotal step in realising its strategic vision for downstream industry development and its unwavering commitment to sustainability with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sarawak Petchem Sdn. Bhd. and HighChem Co., Ltd. (HighChem), a global chemical trading company and manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
 
The MoU, formalised on 9 May 2025 and its exchange held during a ceremony witnessed by Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg at the Hydrogen Economy Forum here, today, envisions a planned collaboration that will see the development and construction of a state-of-the-art plant within the Bintulu petrochemical industrial complex.
 
According to a statement, the partnership with HighChem aligns perfectly with the state’s ambition not only to grow its economy but to do so in an environmentally responsible manner.
 
“Recognising Sarawak's rich endowment of natural gas resources and its significant 3.5 gigawatts (GW) hydroelectric power capacity, the Sarawak Government has proactively charted a gas roadmap to attract global investments in value-added downstream industries.
 
“This foresight has positioned Sarawak as a prime destination for innovative companies seeking to leverage these resources responsibly.
 
“Sarawak identified HighChem's cutting-edge SEG® technology, which enables the production of ethylene glycol from synthesis gas, as a key enabler in accelerating the state's sustainability objectives,” the statement said.
 
The statement said, while initially utilising natural gas-derived synthesis gas, the plant is strategically designed to transition towards green hydrogen, produced using Sarawak's abundant renewable hydropower, and carbon dioxide (CO2) derived from biomass.
 
This approach will pave the way for the production of green ethylene glycol, a crucial raw material for polyesters, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of this vital industry.
 
“This collaboration with HighChem directly supports Sarawak's ongoing efforts in carbon capture and storage (CCS) development, green hydrogen production, and biomass power generation.
 
“By embracing innovative technologies and fostering partnerships with innovative companies like HighChem, Sarawak is accelerating its journey towards a sustainable and prosperous future,” the statement said. -UKASnews