Premier: S’wak eyes stronger ties with China in education, clean energy and cultural exchange

Dr Sim (back row, centre) witnesses the MOU signing ceremony in the presence of other distinguished guests at the event. – Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING (Nov 9): Sarawak aims to further strengthen its five-decade diplomatic ties with China, focusing on expanding collaboration in education, clean energy, and cultural exchange, said Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He expressed optimism about the future of this partnership, voicing confidence that it will continue to grow, evolve, and adapt to meet the changing needs of the people and the challenges of time.

He emphasised education as an area with boundless potential for deeper collaboration.

“China’s universities rank among the world’s best, and each year more Malaysian and Sarawakian students return from studying in China with new perspectives, skills, and ideas that strengthen our communities.

“As we look forward, we are eager to expand these academic exchanges, foster research collaboration, and prepare a new generation of Sarawakians to thrive in a globalised world,” he said in his speech at the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China at a hotel here last night.

His text-of-speech was read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

Abang Johari highlighted clean energy as another promising area for partnership.

“Climate change demands bold, urgent action, and we are eager to explore new pathways with China toward a sustainable future.

“From hydropower and solar energy to carbon capture and storage, there are countless opportunities for innovation that we can pursue together,” he said.

Abang Johari also cited cultural exchange as a vital element of the partnership.

“Finally, we look forward to deepening the cultural exchanges that enrich both our societies and nurture the bonds of friendship between us.

“Cultural diplomacy — through art, music, festivals, and heritage — builds trust, understanding, and joy.

“Let us lay the foundation for future generations to carry this friendship forward, so that the ties between Malaysia, Sarawak, and China grow even stronger over time,” he added.

At the event, Dr Sim witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for friendly exchange and cooperation between the Sarawak-China Friendship Association (SCFA), Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah (MCFAS), Brunei-China Friendship Association (BCFA), and Kalimantan-Tiongkok Friendship Association (KTFA).

Following the MOU, the four parties have formed a friendship alliance, named the Borneo-China Friendship Alliance (BCFA), to promote a cooperative platform that advances inclusive and strategic partnership and defining a framework for strategic collaboration between the parties on the basis of equality and mutual benefits.

The areas of collaboration include, but are not limited to, economy, technology, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, transportation, culture and education.

Also present at the event were Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; SCFA advisors Datuk Amar Michael Manyin and Lee Khoi Yun, president Datuk Wee Kok Tiong, and vice presidents Dato Tan Jit Kee and Datuk Wee Kok Hui.

Facebook
Messenger
Twitter
WhatsApp
Email
Print

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}