Malaysia launches first WEF industrial cluster in Sarawak to drive green growth

Malaysia has launched its first World Economic Forum-linked Transitioning Industrial Cluster in Sarawak, a strategic move aimed at cutting carbon emissions, creating 19,000 green jobs, and positioning the region as a Southeast Asian leader in clean energy and digital innovation.

KUCHING: Malaysia has officially launched the Transitioning Industrial Cluster (TIC) Sarawak, marking the country’s first entry into the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) global network.

Announced during the Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference and Exhibition 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, the initiative integrates Sarawak into a community of 39 international industrial clusters. This development represents a significant step in Malaysia’s industrial transformation, positioning the state as a regional leader in clean energy, hydrogen development, and sustainable industrial growth.

Led by the Malaysia Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (MYCentre4IR) and hosted by MyDigital Corporation, the project is a collaborative national effort with Sarawak’s Energy and Environmental Sustainability Ministry, and supported strategically by the WEF. Centred in Bintulu, this industrial transformation platform unites government, business, and ecosystem partners to quicken the adoption of clean energy and digital technologies, boost efficiency, and foster low-carbon industrial development.

The programme aligns with a broader national strategy driven by the Digital Ministry and the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry. It also supports the objectives of the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, the National Fourth Industrial Revolution Policy, the National Energy Transition Roadmap, the 13th Malaysia Plan, and Malaysia Digital 2030.

At a local level, the project complements the Post-Covid Development Strategy and the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy, ensuring a unified approach that anchors industrial progress within state and national economic goals.

Based in the Bintulu-Samalaju corridor, TIC Sarawak builds on the region’s existing energy and industrial strengths, launching with 25 participating signatory organisations and four initial pilot projects.

Economic forecasts indicate the initiative will contribute an estimated RM12 billion annually to gross domestic product and create approximately 19,000 jobs by 2040. Furthermore, the framework supports Sarawak’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, targeting an emissions reduction of up to 21.35 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo emphasised the strategic value of the launch.

“The launch of TIC Sarawak marks a critical step in Malaysia’s journey towards becoming a digitally-driven, AI-ready, sustainable economy,” said Gobind.

“By aligning industrial transformation with advanced technologies and strategic investment, we are creating a platform that not only enhances productivity and competitiveness, but also accelerates our transition towards a lowcarbon future.”

Sarawak Premier, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg reaffirmed the state’s determination to lead the regional energy transition, pointing to Bintulu’s history of industrial milestones.

“Bintulu is not just Sarawak’s industrial heartland, it is a potential anchor of Southeast Asia’s green industrial future,” said Abang Johari.

“Sarawak is home to the world’s first commercial gas-to-liquids plant, established in Bintulu in 1986, and deployed the world’s first Floating LNG Plant in 2016.

“We believe Bintulu industrial cluster will continue that tradition of pioneering firsts, transforming the Bintulu-Samalaju corridor into a coordinated, low-carbon industrial system that sets new benchmarks for sustainable industrial development at scale.”

He added that the establishment of TIC Sarawak advances Sarawak’s role as a regional hub for clean energy, green petrochemicals, and hydrogen-based industries.

“It enables our industries to transition toward more sustainable and efficient operations, building integrated, low-carbon industrial ecosystems that strengthen long-term competitiveness. This is what our PostCOVID Development Strategy and our Sarawak Energy Transition Policy have been building toward. Today, that foundation begins delivering results.”

The initiative also carries broader international significance for global supply chains. Neo Gim Huay, managing director of the World Economic Forum, noted how the model serves as a template for other developing economies.

“The Transitioning Industrial Clusters framework represents a key mechanism for accelerating industrial transition globally by aligning stakeholders, scaling innovation, collectively advancing frontier technologies, and mobilising capital,” said Neo.

“TIC Sarawak demonstrates how regions can translate ambition into action by bringing together policy-makers, industry, and finance within a coordinated platform. It is a strong example of how Malaysia is contributing to the global transition while supporting inclusive industrial growth.”

The launch establishes both Malaysia and Sarawak as rising centres for industrial sustainability in an era where digital and energy transitions overlap.

As the initial pilot cluster, Sarawak is set to become the blueprint for expanding the TIC model to other key Malaysian industrial zones, including Johor, Selangor, and Penang, while supporting the wider industrial objectives of Southeast Asia.