08 COVER STORY
@ green | MAY-JUNE , 2023
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Patinggi Abang Zohari Openg is briefed by an exhibitor .
Back with a bang
After a hiatus of two years , Sarawak will be hosting the 5th International Energy Week ( IEW ), spearheaded by the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability ( MEESty )
BY DANIAL FAUZI
WHEN it first manifested itself in the early part of the year 2020 , the Covid-19 epidemic caused widespread panic across the globe . Many companies and organisations were compelled to shut their doors , while others resorted to extreme means to survive .
Due to the epidemic , several organisations could not participate in the last International Energy Week ( IEW ). Sarawak ' s Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability ( MEESty ) had not existed yet in 2020 . It was only established in 2022 , and operational in 2023 .
During this time , the 5th edition that was planned was put on hold until 2023 .
But the Deputy Minister of MEESty , Dr Hazland Abang Hipni , remarked that this lull in activity was a blessing in disguise .
“ The five-year gap between the 4th and 5th edition of the IEW allowed us to do a soft reboot and introduce the theme ‘ Transitioning Towards a Net Zero Carbon Future ’,” he said .
“ This theme supports MEESty and creates discussion around energy transition , build awareness and share the new business opportunities in the energy transition and the ambition for a net zero carbon future .”
Hazland further mentioned that the fifth instalment of IEW would offer possibilities for small and medium-sized businesses to investigate innovative technologies that can boost sales and income while also contributing to the preservation of the environment .
TRANSITIONAL AWARENESS
The transition towards a future with net zero carbon emissions is a concept many of the industry players and exhibitors for IEW are already a part of and have previously experienced . It is especially true for the former .
“ We aim to create awareness and acceptance of the energy transition as it is part and parcel of climate change .
“ We hope that there will be an increase in public awareness concerning the importance of renewable energy and energy efficiency in our daily lives as well as benefits that can be shared and enjoyed together towards a developed Sarawak ,” added Hazland .
Hazland also has high hopes that the government ’ s goals of reaching net zero emissions by the year 2050 will be helped along by the people ’ s growing knowledge .
Expos and summits will be held as part of the IEW ’ s efforts to help raise awareness among the public . This summit is a gathering of top industry experts , senior government officials , and representatives from the corporate sector .
The IEW 2023 will also feature an international lineup of speakers from South Korea , Japan , Singapore , Indonesia , Abu Dhabi , and Malaysia . These speakers , from all walks of life across the globe , would provide a diverse and global perspective .
It will serve as an essential platform for participants to share their experiences and investigate opportunities for business and investment in Borneo , particularly concerning the construction of the new capital city of Nusantara in Kalimantan .
“ Visitors , especially those from the Sarawak region , should take this opportunity to learn about the energy transition , talk to the exhibitors on the solutions available now and soon ,” Hazland said .
THE NET ZERO CARBON THEME
As more and more people worldwide become aware of the effects of climate change , transitioning the energy system to one that is more sustainable becomes increasingly urgent .
On the other hand , energy has been the
Abang Zohari visiting the PETRONAS booth .
Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud viewing one of the showcase display .
Sarawak Energy GCEO Datu Sharbini Suhaili ' s opening address