S’wak to host inaugural EIC Connect Energy Borneo conference in Feb 2025, fostering regional collab for sustainable energy

by · Borneo Post Online
Dr Hazland (seated centre) with Azman, on his left, and others promote the EIC Connect Energy Borneo 2025 conference in a photo-call, taken after the press conference. — Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING (Nov 16): Sarawak will host the inaugural EIC Connect Energy Borneo 2025, which aims to unite energy sectors across Borneo towards a shared commitment to sustainability.

In making the announcement, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said the event would be taking place from Feb 25 to 26, at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here.

“I have been made to understand that at the heart of the EIC Connect Energy Borneo 2025 conference is our commitment to engage more aggressively in the energy transition.

“We all understand that the path to a sustainable future involves collaboration across sectors, sharing innovative concepts to achieve net zero emissions and decarbonising our operations to meet emission targets in the Borneo region,” he told a press conference at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex yesterday.

He added that the two-day event would explore themes, including ‘Net Zero as Catalyst for Economic Prosperity’, ‘Collaborative Actions in Achieving Regional Synergies’ and ‘Strategies for Strengthening Energy Security’, describing them as ‘crucial’ as the state envisioned to align its objectives with global energy goals, while also enhancing the economic stability of the region.

Moreover, the conference would feature a robust programme with over 50 speakers, including special remarks from senior government representatives from Sabah, Brunei and Indonesia.

“Through plenary sessions and one-on-one business matching, this conference is focused on key themes to foster deep discussions and engage in topics related to energy transition and security.

“It is hoped that the conference would set the pace for many more conversations to follow after the event,” said Dr Hazland.

Additionally, a leadership roundtable will be conducted as an exclusive forum for government and industry leaders to share insights on their collective challenges, opportunities and solutions, where Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg expected to participate.

“He (Abang Johari) will launch the conference and also speak at the ministerial dialogue set to feature other ministers from Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and Sabah,” he said.

To this end, Dr Hazland commended the organisers for bringing together key strategic partners and energy value chains across four Borneo territories: Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Kalimantan.

Meanwhile, EIC regional director Azman Nasir said Sarawak was chosen as the event’s inaugural host in view of Borneo offering vast energy opportunities due to its rich natural resources, strategic location and forward-looking policies, making it an attractive destination for international companies to conduct their business.

“Feedback from our global members as well as data from our projects’ database highlights Borneo’s rising importance as an energy market. This is why we have chosen Sarawak as the inaugural host of the conference,” said Azman.