“Sarawak plans to redesign its industrial park strategy with a focus on high technology and low-carbon industries, drawing insights from China’s Suzhou Industrial Park.”
Sarawak, 15th December 2025, 01.55pm – Sarawak is set to recalibrate its industrial park development approach, placing greater emphasis on future industries, advanced technologies and a low-carbon economic framework, according to Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the shift is guided by insights gained from the long-term success of China’s Suzhou Industrial Park, following discussions with its administrative authority during a recent working visit to Suzhou.
The engagement included exchanges on possible strategic collaboration between Suzhou and a proposed industrial zone in Sarawak, which is being planned with a strategic partner, China Jiangsu International Economic Technology Cooperation Group Ltd.
According to a statement from the Sarawak Public Communications Unit, Abang Johari noted that Suzhou Industrial Park, which began as a joint Singapore–China initiative, has evolved over three decades from a small settlement into a fully integrated industrial city with diverse economic zones and modern infrastructure.
The premier said Sarawak is transitioning towards a modern economic model, and future industrial developments must reflect the demands of a new economic era.
“Development strategies must evolve with the times. The economic environment we are entering is different, and the way industrial areas are planned must align with the requirements of the future economy,” he said.
He added that upcoming industrial projects in Sarawak will be anchored on high-technology and low-carbon principles, with the state’s natural gas resources playing a key role in supporting cleaner energy solutions and low-emission industries.
Abang Johari said a special meeting will be convened upon his return to Sarawak to further refine the proposed industrial development strategy.
Separately, he identified Tanjung Embang in the Samarahan Division as a potential hub for advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, supported by improved infrastructure and Sarawak’s resource base.
Drawing a comparison, Abang Johari noted that Suzhou’s development began when China’s population was around 800 million, while Sarawak’s future industrial parks are being positioned to serve the Asean market of approximately 800 million people, creating opportunities that extend beyond regional boundaries.
