Sarawak firms urged to move beyond subcontracting into higher-value industries
by Jude Toyat · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Oct 23): Sarawakian businesses must move beyond conventional subcontracting and build specialised, technology-driven capabilities to compete in higher-value supply chains, said State Deputy Minister for International Trade and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh.
He said this would require greater technology transfer, technical training, a skilled workforce and stronger compliance with industry standards.
“The collaboration combined Borneo Assets’ local industry experience and market knowledge with TNB Labs’ technical expertise, research capabilities and specialised laboratory services,” he said.
Mussen said this in a speech read by the ministry’s deputy permanent secretary Lo Sheau Sia at the signing of a collaboration agreement between Borneo Assets Sdn Bhd and TNB Labs Sdn Bhd at Dayak Chamber Tower here today.
He said such partnerships could strengthen local supply chains, improve operational efficiency and enable Sarawakian businesses to compete more effectively in regional markets, including Sabah, Brunei and Kalimantan.
He said Sarawak’s industrial development under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 was increasingly focused on higher-value activities, including advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, renewable energy, oil and gas, and petrochemicals.
“Between 2021 and 2025, Sarawak recorded approximately RM116.8 billion in approved investments, with the potential to create more than 28,000 jobs.
“The state recorded another RM11.2 billion in approved investments in the first half of 2026, reflecting continued investor confidence in its economic potential, political stability, policy clarity and business-friendly environment,” he said.
However, he stressed that attracting investment alone was insufficient unless it translated into stronger industries, more competitive businesses, quality employment and sustainable economic growth.
He said the collaboration could also support Sarawak’s green economy aspirations through improved energy efficiency, better equipment performance and more sustainable industrial practices.
Mussen urged both organisations to prioritise practical technical solutions, skills development, technology transfer and greater participation by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
He also called for a clear implementation plan with defined responsibilities, timelines and measurable outcomes to ensure the partnership delivered tangible results.
“The Sarawak government will continue to provide a conducive and business-friendly environment for quality investment and sustainable industrial growth,” he said.
At the ceremony, Borneo Assets managing director Cherry Linda Keripin and executive director Lorraine Keripin exchanged agreement documents with TNB Labs executive director Datuk Dr Ts Mohd Zamri Yusoff and general manager Dr Ir Ahmad Basri Abd Ghani.
The exchange was witnessed by Lo, representing Mussen, TNB Labs chairman Wan Ahmad Zam Zam Wan Abd Wahab and Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Datuk Allan Keripin Nangkai.