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Rapatkan Jurang Tangani Isu Global Melalui R&D

KUCHING: Sarawak kini sedang mengorak langkah untuk merapatkan jurang dalam usaha menangani isu global menerusi penyelidikan dan pembangunan (R&D). Premier Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg berkata, perkara ini memerlukan kepakaran dan sumber kolektif untuk memastikan penyelesaian yang dirangka bukan sahaja bersifat inovatif tetapi juga mampan dan boleh dikembangkan. Menurutnya, usaha ini jelas dipaparkan melalui usaha Majlis Penyelidikan dan Pembangunan Sarawak (SRDC) yang aktif mengadakan kolaborasi bersama institusi akademik, rakan industri, badan kerajaan dan organisasi bukan kerajaan (NGO) dalam mewujudkan rangka kerja kukuh untuk menterjemahkan penyelidikan kepada hasil. “Contoh jelas yang telah dijalankan adalah program pembangunan vaksin yang dimulakan oleh Pusat Penyakit Berjangkit Sarawak (SIDC). “Sebagai ahli Hab Vaksin UK SEA, program ini membolehkan pemindahan teknologi dan kepakaran dalam pembangunan vaksin dari United Kingdom ke SIDC sekaligus memupuk keupayaan tempatan dan mempertingkatkan kemampuan kita dalam bidang penghasilan vaksin,” jelas beliau. Beliau berkata demikian menerusi teks ucapan yang dibacakan oleh Timbalan Premier Sarawak Datuk Amar Profesor Dr Sim Kui Hian sempena Majlis Perasmian Simposium Penyelidikan dan Pembangunan Sarawak Ke-2 di sini pada Rabu. Selain vaksin, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari turut berkongsi usaha Sarawak yang semakin menyerlah dalam inovasi tenaga boleh diperbaharui dengan memanfaatkan sumber semula jadi sedia ada untuk memacu pembangunan mampan. Menjelas lanjut, beliau berkata usaha ini amat memerlukan R&D yang berterusan dalam memastikan wilayah ini mampu mengeluarkan hasil yang optimum dalam penghasilan tenaga hijau. “Salah satu cabaran utama dalam ekonomi hidrogen kita adalah mengurangkan kos pengeluaran namun, saya difahamkan bahawa SRDC sedang memulakan panggilan geran bertema yang memfokuskan kepada penyelidikan dan pembangunan tenaga boleh diperbaharui, dengan penekanan pada pengeluaran dan penyimpanan hidrogen. “Inisiatif ini bukan sahaja langkah ke arah pengurangan kos pengeluaran tetapi juga komitmen untuk memanfaatkan pengetahuan dan sumber tempatan kita,” jelas beliau lagi. Dalam majlis tersebut, Datuk Amar Dr Sim yang juga Menteri Kesihatan Awam, Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan Sarawak turut menyaksikan majlis pertukaran Memorandum Persefahaman (MoU) antara SIDC dengan Universiti Sheffield dan Hilleman serta antara Semikonduktor Reka Bentuk Mikroelektronik Sarawak (SMD) dan Universiti Curtin Malaysia. Turut hadir, Menteri Pendidikan, Inovasi dan Pembangunan Bakat Sarawak Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Penasihat Kementerian Pendidikan, Inovasi dan Pembangunan Bakat Sarawak (MEITD) Datuk Amar Michael Manyin, Timbalan Pengurus Besar SRDC Dr Ivan Yap Kok Seng serta tetamu kenamaan yang lain. -EDISI UKAS

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Bengkel Kopi & Perubahan Iklim Teroka Potensi Penanaman Kopi Di Sarawak

PADAWAN: Bengkel Kopi dan Perubahan Iklim di Asia Tenggara yang bertemakan ‘Prospek Industri Kopi di Sarawak’ dianjurkan untuk mendalami potensi penanaman kopi di wilayah ini. Sehubungan itu, satu sesi lawatan telah diadakan di Daerah Kecil Padawan yang disertai oleh pakar-pakar kopi dari luar negara termasuk Indonesia, Thailand, Kemboja, Filipina, Timor Leste, Myanmar dan Malaysia. Turut serta dalam lawatan tersebut ialah Dr Adibi Rahiman dari Universiti Malaya (UM) diiringi oleh pegawai-pegawai Agensi Penyelarasan Pembangunan Greater Kuching (GKCDA), Jabatan Pertanian Sarawak dan wakil dari Pusat Khidmat Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Mambong. Pengisian khusus dalam lawatan kali ini adalah untuk mendalami kaedah penanaman, penjagaan dan pemprosesan kopi jenis Liberica yang diberi julukan ‘kopi negara’. Antara lokasi penting dilawat oleh rombongan ialah ladang kopi di Kampung Git, Pusat Pemprosesan Kopi Kura-Kura di Kampung Semadang dan Earthlings Coffee Workshop Roastery. -EDISI UKAS

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Sarawak Targets Coffee Farming To Diversify Agricultural Sector

KUCHING: The Sarawak government is taking steps to diversify the state's agricultural output by focusing on the development of coffee farming, as part of a broader initiative to boost the livelihoods of local farmers. Sarawak Minister for Food Industry, Commodities, and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, highlighted that coffee cultivation holds significant potential for empowering farmers, improving food security, and increasing export revenue. “Coffee farming can unlock the full agricultural potential of our land, empowering local farmers while contributing to Sarawak’s food security and export capabilities. With demand for coffee outstripping local supply, this crop offers both economic benefits and environmental sustainability, aligning with our goals to support biodiversity,” Dato Sri Dr Rundi said in a speech delivered by Deputy Transport Minister, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil at the opening of the Coffee and Climate Change Workshop in Southeast Asia on Wednesday. He added that to support the growth of the coffee industry, the ministry will prioritise extension services to equip farmers with the necessary knowledge and tools to implement climate-resilient farming practices. “Workshops, training programmes, and demonstration farms are essential in helping farmers adopt new technologies and techniques. This is particularly important for smallholder farmers who may lack the resources or technical expertise to make the transition on their own,” he said. Dato Sri Dr Rundi also stressed that government policies would play a key role in promoting sustainable coffee production in Sarawak, ensuring long-term benefits for both the environment and the agricultural sector. Also present at the event were Serembu Assemblyman, Miro Simuh and Bukit Semuja Assemblyman, John Ilus. -UKASnews

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234 Daripada 712 Projek Rakyat Siap Sepenuhnya

KUCHING: Sebanyak 234 daripada 712 Projek Rakyat telah siap sepenuhnya setakat ini, manakala 478 lagi projek masih dalam pelbagai proses perlaksanaannya. Timbalan Premier Sarawak, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas memberitahu, kesemua 712 projek ini melibatkan dana sebanyak RM9.5 bilion merangkumi kemudahan awam kepada rakyat, jalan perhubungan dan infrastruktur asas. Menurut beliau, antara projek yang berjaya disiapkan setakat ini ialah projek naik taraf lima bulatan di Kota Samarahan, Projek Tukun Tiruan Fasa 1, pembinaan bangunan Pertubuhan Peladang Sarawak, projek mitigasi banjir dan saliran di Taman Ecopark di Miri, Jambatan Marudi, projek naik taraf Tebingan Sungai Limbang Fasa 2, peluasan Kampung Sundar Fasa 2, naik taraf jalan, saliran dan lot kediaman di Skim Peluasan Kampung Igan dan pembangunan Peace Park di Sri Aman. "Manakala empat lagi Projek Rakyat dijangka siap sepenuhnya menjelang tahun hadapan. "Empat lagi Projek Rakyat dijangka siap iaitu, Skim Peluasan Kampung Jelutong di Jepak, pembinaan jalan di Kampung Medong, Lebrasau, Kampung Klid di Dalat, pemindahan dan pembinaan semula Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Pulo dan Skim Peluasan Kampung Hulu Kabong menjelang 2025,” jelasnya. Beliau berkata demikian semasa ucapan penggulungan kementeriannya dalam Persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Sarawak Ke-19 pada Rabu. Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi Baharu II itu menambah, Kerajaan Sarawak akan terus melaksanakan projek-projek baharu yang telah dikenalpasti iaitu penurapan Jalan Ulu Tinjar, pembangunan kemudahan awam di Pusat Pentadbiran Bersepadu Mulu, ekosistem Inovasi Digital Sarawak, penurapan Jalan Long Teran Kanan. "Ini termasuk pembinaan Jambatan Sungai Tinjar ke Long Teran Batu dan Long Teran Kiri, saluran paip khas dari Takungan Berawan ke Stesen Peningkat Tekanan Lubok Tuan, peluasan kampung bersepadu di Matang Batu 10 dan Sungai Maong Fasa 1 dan pembinaan jambatan Penakub Ulu di Mukah," katanya.-EDISI UKAS

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Sarawak Signs Agreement With Masdar, Gentari To Develop Floating Solar Project At Murum Dam

ABU DHABI: The Sarawak government, through Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), has signed a Trilateral Malaysia Joint Study Agreement with Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (PSJC) Masdar and clean energy firm Gentari to explore the potential of developing a floating solar project at the Murum Dam. Under this strategic collaboration, the three parties will undertake a 12-month joint study with the goal of generating up to 1 gigawatt (GW) of solar power from the project. The agreement was signed on Tuesday at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, with SEB represented by its Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, while Masdar and Gentari were represented by their respective CEOs, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi and Sushil Purohit. The signing was witnessed by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, and SEB Chairman Datuk Ibrahim Baki. Speaking at a press conference, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari said the mega project is expected to significantly boost Sarawak's renewable energy output. "This is a major investment that will enhance Sarawak’s renewable energy capacity," he said. He added that this collaboration could potentially pave the way for other projects to be developed in Sarawak through economic cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Sarawak. “If successful, this will be the first area in the world to generate up to 1GW of power from floating solar technology. This aligns with Sarawak’s goal of producing 10GW of energy by 2030 as part of our green energy development,” he explained. The Premier further noted that the project could contribute to the broader goal of creating an interconnected regional energy grid through the Asian Grid initiative, allowing Sarawak to share renewable energy with neighbouring countries. SEB’s CEO, Datuk Sharbini, revealed that SEB had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Masdar to implement the project during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai in 2023.  “We have already identified four potential locations for the floating solar installations, with a capacity to generate between 600 megawatts and 1,000 megawatts of solar energy,” he said. Earlier in the day, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari and the Sarawak government delegation toured Masdar City, a carbon-free city and leading technology hub in Abu Dhabi. The delegation also included Chairman of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), Tan Sri Datuk Amar Hamid Bugo, Chairman of the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), Tan Sri Datuk Amar (Dr) Abdul Aziz Dato Husain, and other senior state government officials.-UKASnews

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Kerajaan Sarawak Bangunkan Tanaman Kopi

KUCHING: Kerajaan Sarawak berusaha mempelbagaikan hasil pertanian di negeri ini menerusi pembangunan tanaman kopi.   Menteri Industri Makanan, Komoditi dan Pembangunan Wilayah Sarawak Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom memberitahu, ini merupakan sebahagian daripada usaha kementeriannya untuk menaik taraf kehidupan petani di negeri ini.   “Usaha menanam kopi mampu membuka potensi penuh pertanian demi memperkasakan kehidupan petani dan keselamatan makanan serta meningkatkan eksport.   “Permintaan untuk kopi melebihi bekalan tempatan kita dan tanaman kopi sesuai dengan visi ini, bukan sahaja untuk faedah ekonomi langsung tetapi juga sebagai tanaman yang ditanam secara mampan sejajar dengan matlamat alam sekitar dan biodiversiti kita,” jelasnya.   Beliau berkata demikian menerusi teks ucapan yang dibacakan oleh Timbalan Menteri Pengangkutan Sarawak Datuk Dr Jerip Susil pada Majlis Perasmian Bengkel Kopi dan Perubahan Iklim di Asia Tenggara di sebuah hotel di sini pada Rabu.   Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi menambah, kementeriannya juga mesti melabur dalam perkhidmatan lanjutan (extension services) yang melengkapkan petani dengan pengetahuan dan peralatan untuk melaksanakan amalan berdaya tahan terhadap iklim.   “Program latihan, bengkel sebegini dan ladang demonstrasi boleh membantu petani memahami kaedah dan teknologi baharu.   “Ini amat penting bagi petani dan pekebun kecil yang mungkin kekurangan sumber atau pengetahuan teknikal untuk menyesuaikan diri secara bebas,” ujarnya.   Katanya lagi, dasar kerajaan akan memainkan peranan penting dalam mempromosikan pengeluaran kopi yang mampan.   Turut hadir ialah Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Serembu Miro Simuh dan ADUN Bukit Semuja John Ilus. -EDISI UKAS

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Sarawak Plans Abu Dhabi Office To Strengthen Middle East Ties

  ABU DHABI: The Sarawak government is considering the establishment of an office in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), to enhance strategic cooperation and foster closer ties with the Middle East. Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg revealed that while the exact location for the office is still being finalised, its primary focus would be on collaboration in energy and technology sectors. The proposed office, if established, will be managed by Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) and Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB). “The office aims to promote stronger collaboration not only with Middle Eastern countries but also with our ASEAN neighbours. Abu Dhabi has advanced renewable energy infrastructure, including a data centre powered by solar energy, which is shared with investors. If we can find synergies between Sarawak and the Middle East, it could pave the way for a broader partnership between ASEAN and the region,” he said. He made these remarks during a press conference following his visit to Masdar City in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, which formed part of his official trip to the UAE. The Premier added that the Abu Dhabi office would operate similarly to Sarawak’s trade and tourism offices in Singapore (STATOS), Brunei (STATOB), and Kalimantan, focusing on economic and technological collaboration with the region. Accompanying the Premier were Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, and SEB Group CEO, Datuk Sharbini Suhaili.-UKASnews

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Sarawak Launches Gateway To Borneo Campaign At World Travel Market

KUCHING: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) unveiled its new Gateway to Borneo campaign At the prestigious World Travel Market (WTM) in London, positioning Sarawak as a premier destination for sustainable tourism.  The campaign invites global travellers to explore Sarawak’s unique cultures, pristine landscapes, and diverse adventures. Sarawak’s refreshed branding as a ‘Gateway to Borneo’ highlights its role as a rising star in eco-friendly tourism, offering a rich blend of heritage and natural beauty.  Speaking at WTM held from November 5 to 7, Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah extended an invitation to industry stakeholders to discover Sarawak’s offerings. “Gateway to Borneo is not just an entry point – it's an invitation to experience Sarawak's traditions, majestic landscapes, and responsible tourism,” said Dato Sri Abdul Karim, stressing Sarawak’s commitment to eco-tourism and heritage preservation. The United Kingdom (UK) remains a key market for Sarawak, contributing 34 per cent of long-haul arrivals.  From January to September 2024, Sarawak saw a 7.73 per cent rise in UK visitors, helping to meet the state’s target of 4 million tourist arrivals this year. At WTM, STB showcased four key initiatives: Audra’s Eat, Roam, and Relish – a culinary series hosted by chef Audra Morrice, celebrating Sarawak as Malaysia’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy; Borneo Green Bike Tour – an eco-friendly electric bike tour promoting low-carbon travel in line with Sarawak's sustainable development goals; XTERRA Sarawak Borneo Trail Run – an off-road trail run through Pueh Village, highlighting Sarawak’s adventure tourism; and Clicktripz – Asia Pacific’s first artificial intelligence (AI)-powered marketing initiative, expanding Sarawak’s global digital reach. With these initiatives, Sarawak is solidifying its status as a sustainable tourism leader, inviting travellers to embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Borneo. -UKASnews

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Sarawak Showcases Unique Tourism Experiences At Taipei Travel Fair 2024

TAIPEI: The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), in collaboration with Royal Brunei Taiwan, showcased Sarawak’s distinctive attractions at the Taipei International Travel Fair (ITF) 2024. Held from November 1 to 4, at Nangang Exhibition Hall 1, the event attracted nearly 350,000 visitors, providing a platform to highlight Sarawak's authentic cultural experiences and nature-focused tourism. Sarawak’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Mulu and Niah National Parks, were major highlights, along with wildlife tours and cultural experiences like visits to the Sarawak Cultural Village and traditional longhouse stays. These offerings resonated well with the Taiwanese market, which has a growing interest in eco-tourism and cultural heritage. STB's Director of Marketing for North Asia and New Markets, Dylan Redas Noel, expressed satisfaction with the enthusiastic reception from Taiwanese visitors. "Sarawak’s unique offerings align perfectly with Taiwanese travellers' preferences, and we are confident that this will lead to increased arrivals from Taiwan," said Dylan. He also noted a particular interest in Sarawak’s culinary specialties, including Laksa Sarawak and Kolo Mee, which drew significant attention at the fair. The STB booth featured Sarawak's core tourism pillars of Culture, Adventure, Nature, Festivals, and Food (CANFF), offering a comprehensive introduction to the state’s rich heritage and natural beauty. In addition, three Taiwanese travel companies introduced exclusive Sarawak packages, which received positive feedback. Royal Brunei Taiwan further bolstered Sarawak’s appeal with a dual-destination package, encouraging Taiwanese travellers to explore both Kuching and Brunei. This collaborative effort aims to strengthen Sarawak’s presence in the Taiwanese market and promote sustainable, culturally immersive travel experiences.-UKASnews

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STB Ketengah Pengalaman Pelancongan Unik Di Pameran Pelancongan Antarabangsa Taipei 2024

TAIPEI: Lembaga Pelancongan Sarawak (STB) dengan kerjasama Royal Brunei Taiwan telah memperkenalkan tarikan pelancongan unik Sarawak kepada pengunjung Taiwan di Pameran Pelancongan Antarabangsa Taipei (ITF) 2024 yang berlangsung dari 1 hingga 4 November di Dewan Pameran Nangang 1. Dengan hampir 350,000 pengunjung, acara ini menonjolkan pelbagai tonggak pelancongan Sarawak sejajar dengan minat masyarakat Taiwan terhadap pengalaman budaya yang asli dan percutian berfokuskan alam semula jadi. Tapak Warisan Dunia UNESCO Sarawak, Taman Negara Mulu dan Niah menjadi tarikan utama, di samping lawatan hidupan liar dan tapak warisan budaya seperti Kampung Budaya Sarawak dan penginapan di rumah panjang. Pengarah Pemasaran STB untuk Asia Utara dan Pasaran Baharu Dylan Redas Noel berkata, beliau amat gembira dengan sambutan positif daripada pelancong Taiwan di ITF 2024. "Tawaran Sarawak adalah selaras dengan minat pasaran Taiwan, dan kami yakin bahawa semangat yang tercetus ini akan meningkatkan kedatangan pelancong Taiwan,” jelasnya. Tambahnya, pelancong Taiwan juga menunjukkan minat yang mendalam terhadap hidangan kulinari Sarawak, termasuk Laksa Sarawak dan Mi Kolok. Selain itu ujarnya, papan pameran STB juga menekankan tonggak Budaya, Pengembaraan, Alam Semula Jadi, Festival, dan Makanan (CANFF) Sarawak, menawarkan gambaran lengkap tentang kekayaan alam dan budaya negeri ini. Dalam pada itu, beliau memberitahu, tiga syarikat pelancongan Taiwan memperkenalkan pakej pelancongan eksklusif Sarawak, yang mendapat sambutan yang besar dengan Royal Brunei Taiwan turut mempertingkatkan daya tarikan Sarawak dengan mempromosikan pakej dua destinasi, membolehkan pelancong Taiwan menjelajah Kuching dan Brunei. -EDISI UKAS