In its ambition to establish a hydrogen-driven economy, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak wants to be a major hydrogen-producing center in the region.
He said that a foreign investor had already committed to establishing a green hydrogen gas production plant in Bintulu for export, mainly to Japan.
“I am optimistic that technological advancements will permit the fabrication of hydrogen gas energy cells at a very cheap cost,” Abang Johari stated.
Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Roland Sagah readout Abang Johari’s text-of-speech at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday at the 24th convocation ceremony of Sarawak Skills and i-CATS University college.
One of the key drivers of the hydrogen economy, according to the prime, is the development of human capital, also known as capacity-building.
“As a result, Sarawak needs a higher education institution, a vocational training center, and particular skills learning center to improve local knowledge in such new technology (hydrogen production).”
According to Abang Johari, the green economy must be strengthened in order to focus on renewable energy-based growth for a long-term future.
Hydro-energy is one of the current renewable energy sources in the state, with Sarawak being the country’s largest generator, he noted.
Abang Johari, on the other hand, believes that online or home-based learning is the new standard and hopes that educators in the state improve their teaching methods.
Abang Johari, who is also the first Chancellor of i-CATS University College, said that the college would soon build a second campus at Telaga Air near Kpg Trombol.
“There is no discrimination at i-CATS University College based on race or religion.” Even if it is located in different areas, there is no aspect of favoritism because it is open to all races in Sarawak as well as overseas students.”
He stated that the university college will support the state government’s goal of creating a thriving society based on data and innovation and that its programs would be linked with Sarawak’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030.
