Osaka: Sarawak Energy Bhd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to collaborate on renewable energy development, enhance cross-border energy infrastructure, and exchange technical knowledge. The partnership supports Southeast Asia’s energy transition while promoting regional interconnectivity and sustainability.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the agreement between Sarawak Energy and JBIC aims to strengthen ties between Sarawak and Japan. Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, inviting more Japanese companies to invest in Sarawak’s economic development. His remarks came during the signing ceremony at the opening of the Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

The MoU was signed by SEB group chief executive officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili and JBIC’s managing executive director Sekine Hiroki, with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof as a witness. Other notable attendees included Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong and Ambassador of Malaysia to Japan Datuk Shahril Effendi Abd Ghany.

In a statement, Sarawak Energy highlighted that the MoU establishes a framework for strategic collaboration with JBIC to advance renewable energy initiatives and bolster regional interconnectivity. The partnership aligns with the ASEAN Power Grid initiative and the Asia Zero Emission Community, contributing to sustainability and regional cooperation.

The MoU builds on engagements following a bilateral summit between Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Putrajaya in January 2025. The summit addressed trade, investment, energy cooperation, education, and regional security, leading to an upgrade of Malaysia-Japan relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.