ABU DHABI: Sarawak’s maiden participation in the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) 2024 highlighted global industry players’ recognition of the region's efforts in the development of sustainable energy.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said it is a recognition for Sarawak and Malaysia to be invited as a panelist in the discussion on the direction of hydrogen at the world’s largest energy conference.

"Although this is Sarawak’s first time participating in ADIPEC, the largest exhibition and conference in the world, it signifies global recognition of Sarawak’s role and contributions," he said.

He said this in an exclusive interview with UKAS and TVS after participating as a panelist in a focus discussion at ADIPEC 2024 held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) on Wednesday. 

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari further explained that key industry players from countries like Japan and South Korea are now viewing Sarawak as a partner in renewable energy development.

"You can see the companies involved and the key personalities contributing to these discussions.

"I believe Sarawak is now recognised as one of the important players in global energy development," he added.

For the record, ADIPEC 2024 at ADNEC has evolved into a major energy technology platform, no longer limited to just the oil and gas sector.

The conference, which concluded on Thursday, saw a significant increase in participation from artificial intelligence (AI) industry players with around 2,500 exhibitors and over 200,000 visitors from around the world.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, along with other senior officials of the Sarawak government. -UKASnews