Sarawak poised to become regional hydrogen hub
KUCHING (May 13): Sarawak has all the right ingredients to become a regional hydrogen hub, with Bintulu Port poised to play a key role in exporting green hydrogen to international markets.
Deloitte Partner Ryan Chieng said Sarawak's strategic location, abundant renewable energy, and proactive government support place it in a strong position to develop a full-fledged hydrogen ecosystem, comparable to the Hydrogen Valley in Amsterdam.
'Sarawak is very blessed with cheap hydropower, and we are also very blessed that we have a far-sighted government where all the ecosystems are already or going to be in place bit by bit,' he said during forum discussion at the Hydrogen Economy Forum (H2EF) 2025 here today.
The H2EF 2025 logo.
The forum discussion, titled 'Hydrogen in Transit: Challenges & Breakthroughs,' featured Chieng, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. Chief Country Representative Junto, Hexagon Purus Export Sales Director Yulia Protasova, and moderator as well as Curtin University Malaysia Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Vincent Lee,
Chieng also noted that Bintulu Port, currently a major gateway for liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, could be leveraged and enhanced to support large-scale hydrogen logistics, positioning Sarawak as a critical node in the global green energy supply chain.
Highlighting the importance of parallel development, Chieng noted that infrastructure, policy, and demand must grow in tandem for hydrogen adoption to succeed.
'We need to build the demand and the infrastructure side by side. Without one, the other can't take off,' he said, adding that Sarawak is already ahead of many jurisdictions in this regard.
Lee pointed out that Sarawak's existing logistics and energy assets, including its hydropower plants, road networks, and port access, offer a clear pathway to becoming a full-fledged hydrogen economy.
'We have the key components, now it's about integration,' he remarked.
As for Endoh, he acknowledged Japan's pioneering efforts in methanization but emphasised that Sarawak has a significant advantage in terms of cost competitiveness and cleaner energy.
'Maybe this answer should be replied to by Japanese trading houses, but from the shipping industry's perspective, we are eager to engage as both buyers and transporters of hydrogen.
'Japan has been exploring hydrogen production, but the reality is that Japan's energy costs are much higher due to reliance on imports and longer delivery distances.
'Sarawak, with its abundant hydropower and cleaner energy sources, has a real advantage,' he said.
Endoh added that while Japan is a key player in hydrogen technology, Sarawak's energy resources could make it a more cost-effective and sustainable source of fuel in the long term.
'As a fuel buyer, we are keeping a close eye on Sarawak's developments,' he said. green hydrogen Hydrogen Economy Forum hydrogen hub Ryan Chieng
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
33 minutes ago
- The Star
Ringgit strengthens broadly on cautious trade sentiment
KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened marginally higher against the US dollar in early trade on Monday amid cautious sentiment, as traders awaited clarity on a possible extension of the trade truce between the United States (US) and China, said an analyst. At 8 am, the local note stood at 4.2110/2310 versus the greenback, compared with Friday's close of 4.2195/2245. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said that earlier, the US and the European Union (EU) had agreed to a 15 per cent tariff on most EU imports, while most US imports would face zero tariff under the deal. He said markets are also closely watching the upcoming US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting scheduled for July 29 and 30, with consensus expecting no change to the Federal Funds Rate, currently at 4.25 per cent to 4.50 per cent. "Based on recent developments, most countries appear accommodative in offering favourable terms to the US. It remains to be seen whether this will effectively narrow the trade balance in the near term. "However, the cost of doing business in the US is likely to rise, and it also appears the US may be relying on a weaker dollar to boost export competitiveness. "Against this backdrop, we expect the ringgit to remain within a narrow range of RM4.22 to RM4.23 versus the US dollar,' Mohd Afzanizam told Bernama. At opening here, the ringgit traded mostly higher against a basket of major currencies. It rose against the Japanese yen to 2.8499/2863 from 2.8529/8565 at Friday's close, and strengthened versus the British pound to 5.6600/6869 from 5.6786/6853. However, it eased slightly against the euro to 4.9521/9757 from 4.9507/9566. Against regional peers, the ringgit was also firmer. It advanced against the Indonesian rupiah to 258.0/259.3 from 258.5/258.9 on Friday, and gained versus the Singapore dollar at 3.2878/3039 from 3.2937/2978. The local note also strengthened against the Thai baht to 12.9809/13.0546 from 13.0268/0478, and edged up against the Philippine peso to 7.37/7.41 from 7.38/7.40 previously. - Bernama
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Stylish new midtown stay in KL
A STRIKING new landmark is about to make its mark on the Kuala Lumpur skyline; and it's not just another luxury hotel. Set to open its doors on Aug 26, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown brings with it a renewed sense of purpose and design. More than just a return of the Hyatt Regency brand to the capital, this property offers a modern take on what city hospitality can look and feel like. It will be one that blends global polish with local warmth. Located across from Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, the hotel is positioned in the heart of KL Midtown, a fast-rising district poised to become the city's new hub for conventions, commerce and culture. Beyond the address, it is the design that is turning heads. At the helm of the hotel's architecture is Kengo Kuma, the renowned Japanese architect behind Tokyo's National Stadium. China House to offer bold Chinese flavours. Known for his devotion to natural materials and harmony with the environment, Kuma brings his signature style to the property – think wood, stone and paper textures, softened light, and a sense of openness that subtly transports guests away from the urban rush. Inside, it houses 410 rooms, including 306 hotel rooms and suites and 104 fully serviced residences, a dual offering that caters to both short-stay business travellers and families looking for longer-term city living. It is this balance that defines the hotel's character, general manager Till Martin said in an interview with StarMetro. 'Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown sets itself apart from other five-star hotels in the city; we don't want to end up in the sea of sameness. 'I have only been in Kuala Lumpur for a year, but it has interesting because I've never been to a country or city where 95% of all five-star hotels are in the same area,' said Martin, whose 29-year journey with Hyatt included various locations such as Germany, the United States, United Arab Emirates, South Korea and China. He emphasised the hotel's unique location, offering easy access and connectivity. You will get a sense of zen as you step into the premises, said Martin, 'thanks to Kuma's unique touch in turning it into an urban oasis'. With 16 function spaces and a pillarless ballroom, the hotel is geared to support the city's growing appetite for events. After hours, the hotel transforms into a sanctuary. Guests can unwind by the fifth floor infinity pool, encircled by tropical greenery, or visit the Core Fitness Centre outfitted with top-tier equipment and personal trainers on request. Those staying in the serviced residences can take it a notch higher with exclusive access to a private 32nd floor pool. Martin emphasised the hotel's commitment to sustainability, including plastic-free initiatives, utilisation of natural products and solar panels, and a focus on food waste management. The hotel will be home to a diverse line-up of venues including Midtown Brasseries serving all-day fare and a curated Asian buffet, Midtown Lounge for a spot of coffee or casual meetings, Enso Izakaya & Bar featuring authentic yakitori and a deep sake library. There's also China House serving bold northern Chinese flavours anchored by its wood-fired Peking Duck, and Breeze Poolside Bar for light bites and sunset drinks.
Borneo Post
16 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Chitose plans to operate 10 mln hectares of microalgae production facilities
Chitose Group, with its operations in Japan, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand and Vietnam, planned to produce a wide range of products for commercial use, such as chemicals, cosmetics, fuels, feeds and foods using microalgal biomass. KUALA LUMPUR (July 27): Chitose Group which operates the world's largest microalgae production facility using flat-panel type photobioreactors in Kuching, Sarawak, is aiming to develop 10 million hectares of large-scale microalgae cultivation farms in Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Middle East and other potential areas, by 2050 covering a market size of US$4.2 trillion (US$1=RM4.22). Chitose Group's holding company, Chitose Bio Evolution Pte Ltd executive officer Ryosuke Koike said Chitose Group, with its operations in Japan, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand and Vietnam, planned to produce a wide range of products for commercial use, such as chemicals, cosmetics, fuels, feeds and foods using microalgal biomass. 'The microalgal biomass will be processed and sold through a supply chain in collaboration with partners through the Matsuri initiative to build a new algae-based industry to replace the petroleum-based industry,' he told Bernama recently. Matsuri, a collaborative initiative led by Chitose Group, comprised over a hundred partners – global companies as well as universities, public and research institutions. 'Each microalgae production facility in various locations in the world will pursue a self-funded business model whereby each site will raise funds via its own cash flows,' he said. Chitose Group also aims to become the manager of assets and manage the whole supply chain rather than becoming the owner of assets. The group collaborated with two Japanese research organisations, namely the Institute of Microalgal Technology, Japan (IMAT) and New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO), as well as Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, for the existing five hectares of microalgae production facility in Sarawak, which was set up in 2023.. By 2030, microalgae production will be expanded and new products will be developed and marketed from microalgal biomass produced in the microalgae production facility in Kuching, based on the US$400 million research funding granted by the Japanese government. He emphasised that Malaysia is an ideal location for Chitose Group's photosynthesis business due to its abundant solar radiation and equatorial climate. By cultivating microalgae, he said the group is contributing towards decarbonisation, a global agenda in moving away from fossil resource dependence and reducing carbon emissions. This is possible as microalgae can absorb carbon dioxide and can be used to develop fuels, plastics, fibres, paint, food and many things in daily lives. Commenting on the changing landscape in international trade regulations, he said: 'We are aiming to build a society where humanity can thrive for the next thousand years. Given the long-term nature of our plans, we are not affected by policy shifts even in major countries, and we remain committed to creating a sustainable future.' Among the bio-economy businesses led by Chitose Group in Malaysia is its sustainable agriculture and resource circulation initiative, within which it collaborated with over 20 local farmers in Cameron Highlands, and grows produce using sustainable methods of soil cultivation rooted in Japanese tradition and scientific knowledge., 'Chitose fruits and vegetables are sold in over 70 outlets and served in over 100 restaurants and patisseries across Malaysia, as well as in Singapore and Thailand.' 'We are currently expanding our market share to reach 250 retail outlets and 300 restaurants across the region in three years,' Koike said. He added that Chitose Group is also looking for opportunities to collaborate with local growers in Cameron Highlands and partners who can distribute its sustainable agriculture produce in Kuala Lumpur and other cities in Malaysia. It is working to expand the bioeconomy in Malaysia by leveraging microalgae and advancing circular agricultural practices. Chitose Group is holding an exhibition 'Algal by Matsuri' of algae-based circular manufacturing at the Japan Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai. This exhibition features a diverse range of everyday products made from algae, including clothing, cosmetics, food, paint, PET resin as well as aviation and marine fuels. — Bernama
