KUCHING: The strategic partnership between the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) and Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) is further strengthened with UKAS becoming the official media partner of the Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF 4.0) which will take place from 3 to 4 September 2025 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

UKAS Director, Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan said that as the official media partner, UKAS will assist in publications before, during and after the conference through various platforms including news portals and UKAS' official social media platforms.

He explained that this role will also elevate Sarawak's narrative as a renewable energy leader in the region in line with the aspirations of the PCDS 2030 and the ASEAN 2025 agenda.

Meanwhile, SEB's Corporate Communications General Manager, Elaine Tan said that SAREF 4.0 this time carries the theme 'Partnership for the Goal' with the involvement of national and international figures, forming part of the thought leadership programme for a certain period.

She said that Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg will be present as the guest of honour for the fireside chat session, while the closing ceremony of the conference will be officiated by Deputy Prime Minister, Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof.

“So far, over 650 delegates have registered with a target attendance of 1,000 participants throughout the conference,” she said after paying a courtesy call on UKAS, here, Tuesday.

She added that the conference this time featured over 97 speakers with six plenary sessions, several back-to-back sessions, workshops on hydro sustainability standards and a roundtable with ASEAN utility leaders.

Among the main focuses of the discussions were the Borneo Energy Grid, energy transition, sustainable urban development as well as legal aspects and energy financing.

Elaine added that youth involvement was also emphasised through the organisation of the inaugural ASEAN Energy Youth Awards in Sarawak which received 384 entries from across ASEAN.

“Apart from the Youth Pavilion which will provide space for youth to participate in various activities including a fireside chat session with national sports icon Dato Pandelela Rinong, the Community Market will also be held to provide opportunities for the local community to conduct business.

“The Sarawak Pavilion will highlight the state’s energy transformation from reliance on fossil fuels to renewable energy,” she explained.

Another highlight is the 40th anniversary celebration of the Batang Ai Dam with a visit by an international delegation to the area which not only signifies its importance as Sarawak’s first hydro dam, but also as an orangutan habitat and an international eco-tourism destination.

Side events such as the Gala Dinner organised by the Sarawak Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) will also be held as a symbol of strategic energy cooperation in the region.

Also present during the visit were UKAS Deputy Director, Mohamed Faizal Shah Ali, senior UKAS officers and the SEB delegation. -UKASnews