Premier: Sarawak explores aerospace partnerships for economic diversification

KUCHING (Jan 13): Sarawak is exploring partnerships with international aerospace firms and research institutions to facilitate knowledge and technology exchange while driving innovation to diversity the state’s economy, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The Premier believes that these collaborations will create high-value jobs in design, engineering and production, helping to attract and retain top talent.

“While oil and gas remain significant, we will focus on high-value industries such as biotechnology, aerospace and advanced manufacturing, which align with global trends, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance our competitiveness.

“The aerospace industry, in particular, holds immense growth potential. With increasing demand for satellites, drones and aerospace components, Sarawak can capitalise on its strategic location and growing infrastructure to establish itself as a hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation,” he said at the Majlis Amanat Perdana Premier Sarawak 2025 held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching today.

Abang Johari said he had launched the Aerospace Academy at the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) in Lundu, which is designed to equip the state’s workforce with specialised skills in areas such as aerospace engineering, drone technology, satellite manufacturing and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services.

He said such bold step signifies the state’s commitment to excel in the aerospace sector.

“Collaboration is key. We are working with universities, industry leaders and experts to create tailored training programmes for high-value sectors like advanced manufacturing, digital technology and renewable energy.

“These partnerships will ensure that our workforce remains agile and well-prepared for the emerging demands of these critical industries,” he added.

Complementing these efforts is the development of a comprehensive Industry 4.0 ecosystem that integrates advanced technology across industries and establishing new industrial zones for high-tech projects such as semiconductors, lithium batteries, data centers and green energy under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), he pointed out.

He said financing and incentives for research and development will be enhanced, with collaborations involving global research institutions to foster innovation and technological advancement.

“At the core of this transformation is the commitment to building an integrated supply chain ecosystem and promoting digitalisation to enhance competitiveness. Regulatory frameworks are being streamlined to improve the ease of doing business, and significant investments are being made in workforce training and upskilling.

“Plans are also underway to establish Free Industrial Zones integrated with port development and establishing hubs for aerospace and space industries,” he added.

Abang Johari said Sarawak also recognises that the mineral mining sector remains a cornerstone to its economic strategy, and his administration aspires to unlock the full potential of this sector by advancing both upstream and downstream industries to generate greater value.

“We stay committed to sustainable mining. In June 2024, Sarawak undertook a technical study trip to Canada for better understanding of the mining ecosystem and adopting best practices in legal frameworks, new technologies and community engagement.

“Additionally, a key focus was on the rehabilitation and conservation of former mining sites to integrate sustainable practices into the sector. These efforts highlight our determination to balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship and inclusivity,” he added.