KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg received a courtesy visit from the delegation of Asean Senior Economic Officials, led by Deputy Secretary (Trade) of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, at Wisma Bapa Malaysia on Friday (Jan 24).
The visit aimed to express appreciation to the Sarawak government for its cooperation as the host of the Asean Senior Economic Officials Meeting (SEOM), held from Jan 22 to 24 here.
According to Mastura, Abang Johari shared insights on the state government’s focus and strengths, particularly in the renewable energy industry and digitalisation initiatives, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI), which align with the ministry’s direction.
“Meanwhile, Asean this year is also emphasising similar areas, in addition to focusing on efforts to achieve regional economic prosperity among member countries,” she said when met by reporters.
Also present during the courtesy visit were the director of the Trade Division of the Ministry of Finance and Economy Brunei, Nor Zerlina Momin; director-general of International Trade of the Ministry of Commerce Cambodia, Long Kemvichet; director of Asean Negotiations of the Ministry of Trade Indonesia, Dina Kurniasari; and director-general of Trade Negotiations and Economic Cooperation of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce Laos, Saysana Sayakone; along with other Asean delegates.
Abang Johari also received a courtesy visit from the chief executive officer (CEO) of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Anuar Fariz Fadzil.
According to Anuar, the visit aimed to strengthen collaboration between MDEC and agencies within Sarawak’s digital economy ecosystem.
He also mentioned that discussions with the Premier were held to explore opportunities and strategies for MDEC to assist the state government in attracting digital investments to Sarawak, as well as supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and developing the state’s digital infrastructure.
At the same time, Abang Johari expressed hope that MDEC could collaborate with the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) to realise the state’s digitalisation mission.
Accompanying him were MDEC senior officials Datuk Fadzli Abdul Wahit, Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad and Mohideen Abdul Kader.
