The international delegates participating in the Emerging Leaders’ Dialogues Asia 2016 (ELDA 2016) visited Sarawak and briefed HRH the Princess Royal, Princess Anne, at the Hilton Hotel on their Sarawak study tour.
During the briefing to the Princess Royal, the delegates expressed their astonishment at the scale and speed of development of SCORE. During their briefing, the delegates explained that the development of hydro energy generated in Sarawak has successfully provided renewable, reliable and affordable energy whilst taking into account the delicate environment.
The infrastructure development, so critical to the success of SCORE has also improved the connectivity in the rural areas enabling wider markets for local businesses and investors to reap higher returns on their investments.
The delegates acknowledged RECODA’s efforts to develop positive human capital and job creation had been a success and were accelerating growth in standard of living for the locals, especially the Penan community.
A delegate from Kenya said, “I will bring this experience and try to implement it in our country (Kenya) which is predominantly relying on a more traditional economy.”
Delegates added that the power development provides the foundations for strong economic development in Sarawak with the massive development of Samalaju Industrial Park given as an example.
In ten short years, Samalaju Industrial Park has been transformed from a barren swamp to a thriving park that has attracted high foreign investment and provided jobs and security to many.
Later, the Princess who is Advisor to the Association of Emerging Leaders’ Dialogues (AELD) joined participants of ELDA 2016 for an informal closing reception and dinner in Kuching.
ELDA 2016 was attended by 83 delegates from 20 countries. It provides a forum for the participants to connect and learn as well as to encourage leadership for sustainable development.