(Kuching, 13th) The rebranding of the Sarawak Economic Development Agency is seen as a strategic move that can strengthen Sarawak’s international professional image and boost the confidence of foreign investors.
Assemblyman for Ba’kelalan, Abdul Yakub, stated that this change is not merely a name replacement but also reflects Sarawak’s transformation in mindset, as well as its readiness to keep pace with the increasingly intense trends in global economic development.
He said Sarawak requires a more modern, efficient, and credible economic institution to attract high-quality investments, especially in strategic areas such as renewable energy, digital economy, artificial intelligence, green technology, and downstream industries.
“Today’s investors not only assess the attractiveness of a region’s incentives or its abundance of natural resources, but also pay attention to institutional credibility, governance standards, and long-term development direction. An institution with a good reputation will enhance investor confidence, thereby helping to create job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and improve people’s well-being.”
He made these remarks today when debating the “2026 Sarawak Economic Development Agency (Amendment) Bill” in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly.
He also supported the proposal to change the position title from “General Manager” to “Group Chief Executive Officer,” considering this to be more aligned with the current functions and scale of operations of the economic development agency.
He added that Sarawak now manages an increasingly complex economic ecosystem, covering industrial development, energy transition, infrastructure expansion, and international investment, and therefore requires more strategic and internationally recognized leadership.
Meanwhile, Abdul Yakub pointed out that the participation of representatives from the Federal Ministry of Economy, the Sarawak State Attorney-General, the Sarawak Financial Secretary, as well as professionals from the fields of industry, finance, trade, and science will help to strengthen coordination of state economic development policies.
He also emphasized that Sarawak’s economic development must comprehensively benefit rural residents, longhouse communities, and people in coastal areas.
“The amended provision prohibiting individuals involved in corruption, fraud, money laundering, or bankruptcy from holding positions in the agency also demonstrates the state government’s commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency, and good governance,” he said.
Assemblyman for Ba’kelalan, Abdul Yakub, stated that this change is not merely a name replacement but also reflects Sarawak’s transformation in mindset, as well as its readiness to keep pace with the increasingly intense trends in global economic development.
He said Sarawak requires a more modern, efficient, and credible economic institution to attract high-quality investments, especially in strategic areas such as renewable energy, digital economy, artificial intelligence, green technology, and downstream industries.
He made these remarks today when debating the “2026 Sarawak Economic Development Agency (Amendment) Bill” in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly.
He also supported the proposal to change the position title from “General Manager” to “Group Chief Executive Officer,” considering this to be more aligned with the current functions and scale of operations of the economic development agency.
He added that Sarawak now manages an increasingly complex economic ecosystem, covering industrial development, energy transition, infrastructure expansion, and international investment, and therefore requires more strategic and internationally recognized leadership.
Meanwhile, Abdul Yakub pointed out that the participation of representatives from the Federal Ministry of Economy, the Sarawak State Attorney-General, the Sarawak Financial Secretary, as well as professionals from the fields of industry, finance, trade, and science will help to strengthen coordination of state economic development policies.
He also emphasized that Sarawak’s economic development must comprehensively benefit rural residents, longhouse communities, and people in coastal areas.
“The amended provision prohibiting individuals involved in corruption, fraud, money laundering, or bankruptcy from holding positions in the agency also demonstrates the state government’s commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency, and good governance,” he said.