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Australia Northern Territory minister's visit reinforces relations with Sarawak
Chan (third left) presents a memento to Cahill. At second right is Hii.
KUCHING (June 28): The Australia Northern Territory Government hosted a networking dinner here in conjunction with its Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill's visit to Sarawak recently.
Cahill, who led a seven-member delegation, was in the state capital to discuss potential cooperation between Sarawak and the Northern Territory, given their shared interest in a number of common areas.
Representing the state government at the event was Deputy State Secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee, said Sarawak Australia Business Chamber president Rodger Chan in a statement today.
In his speech at the dinner, Chan said the programme marked Cahill's first visit to Sarawak.
'This is significant as she has skipped other parts of Malaysia.
'This shows the Northern Territory Government's and her seriousness in engaging with Sarawak.
'There is also a Department of Asian Relations in her government, and this shows how the Northern Territory Government is serious about and focusing on Asia,' he said.
Chan added that Cahill's visit to Sarawak reignited the long-standing relationship between Australia and Sarawak, noting that this year marked the 70th anniversary of Australia-Malaysia diplomatic relationship.
'It also marks the 80th anniversary of the landing of Australia and ANZAC forces landing in Bario under Operation Semut. In fact, Australia was here more than 80 years ago to help Sarawak in defending the Japanese occupation,' added Chan.
He said since the 1950s, many Sarawakians had, under the Colombo Plan programme, benefitted from Australia tertiary education, and many of them had become leaders of Sarawak.
'The guestimate is that over 40,000 Sarawakians were educated in Australia – not counting those who studied in the two Australian university campuses in Sarawak.'
Chan said many people were not aware that the Colombo Plan did not stop at education, as it also extended to infrastructures and services.
'An Australian engineering firm designed and built the Satok Bridge under the Colombo Plan.
'I think we should capitalise, monetise and build on this long-standing relationship.
'There are opportunities aplenty in many fields including green energy, digital technologies, tourism, education, health, trade and sports,' he added. Australia Northern Territory Kuching Robyn Cahill
