The International Energy Week trade show held from 27th to 29th January at the Borneo Convention Centre was considered a success by participants and visitors with former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad winning specific praise for his witty, knowledgeable and topical keynote address.

The theme of the event was “Energising Sustainable Transformation & Opportunities in Sarawak”, with a strong emphasis on the development potential of the SCORE economic area. More than 100 companies from Malaysia and overseas including representation from Argentina, the USA and UK participated in or attended the prestigious event.

In his keynote address, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, discussed the merits of large hydropower projects and encouraged the relevant ministries in Sarawak to stay abreast of technological developments and new trends in the industry to ensure the state and citizens in the rural areas benefit. Tun Dr Mahathir also praised the State and the event organisers for creating the platform for investment and networking.

Following his keynote address, Tun Mahathir toured the exhibition and spent a considerable amount of time at the SCORE stand where the CEO, Tan Sri Wilson Baya Indot, briefed the former Prime Minister on the strategic direction of the corridor and success stories to date.

A delegate who attended the event and met Tun Dr Mahathir was impressed with the former Prime Minister and the event when remarking, “I was impressed with Tun Mahathir’s speech and the enthusiasm and commitment of the state government to the energy sector. The organisers have laid the foundations for a global event and I look forward to the next one.”

Five thousand delegates and trade professionals attended IEW ’15, which incorporated the ElectroPower Asia 2015 Exhibition, the Petroleum Asia 2015 Exhibition, the Asia Infrastructure 2015 and showcased the works of some of the biggest players in the Asian and International energy industry. Companies represented included Sarawak Energy Berhad, Petronas, Tenaga National Berhad, Sarawak Shell, JX Nippon Oil and Alstom.

The SCORE economic area gained great recognition for the exceptional work to date and is a role model for how investment can bring real benefits, as well as providing a model for real returns in an age of low interest rates and diminishing returns.

Billions of dollars of investment have proved the viability of SCORE, and many more potential investors are looking at how they can benefit from moving their operations to Sarawak.

Industrial Development Minister Datuk Amar Awang Ali Tengah represented Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Adenan Satem at the opening ceremony. In his speech he reported a total investment of RM31billion in SCORE had already been approved by the State Government.

He also reiterated that whilst the state was happy to attract foreign direct investment from energy intensive industries, the state government was determined to put the environment first so that investors and citizens can live and work in a pleasant environment.

- RECODA