(Kuching, 27th) Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, CEO of Sarawak Energy Group, has once again been elected to the Board of the International Hydropower Association (IHA), representing the East Asia and Pacific region.
He will serve alongside 17 other hydropower leaders from across six major regions (Africa, North & Central America, South America, Europe, South & Central Asia, East Asia & Pacific) for a two-year term starting from September 2025. The board is responsible for setting IHA's strategic priorities to advance the global clean energy transition.
Since becoming CEO of Sarawak Energy Group in 2017, Sharbini first joined the IHA Board, later being re-elected in 2019, 2021, and 2023, showcasing his ongoing leadership in promoting sustainable hydropower development in Malaysia and the Southeast Asian region.
In today’s press release, Sharbini stated: “This re-election is recognition of Sarawak Energy Group’s longstanding efforts and commitment in promoting sustainable hydropower development. We are dedicated to providing affordable, reliable, and renewable energy for Sarawak and the region, while also contributing towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and moving towards a sustainable energy future.”
Under his leadership, the Group successfully advocated for large hydropower to be officially included in Malaysia’s renewable energy mix in 2021 and has since become the country’s largest renewable energy developer.
“Since joining the International Hydropower Association in 2010, Sarawak Energy Group has been actively promoting sustainable hydropower, showcasing its strengths at regional and international conferences, forums, and through outreach activities. We share our hydropower development journey to contribute to regional discussions on sustainability and energy transition, and to support IHA’s global influence.”
“This re-election also reflects the significance of our contributions and enables Sarawak Energy Group to maintain a voice in the international hydropower community. Although we are a relatively small organization located in Borneo, our efforts have been recognized internationally in the hydropower sector,” Sharbini said.
Sarawak Energy Group ensures that its hydropower plants and projects comply with the Hydropower Sustainability Standard—a globally recognized benchmark—and adheres to guidelines set by the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD). At the same time, it aligns with the San José Declaration, which affirms that only sustainable hydropower is acceptable.
Sharbini added: “It is an honor to continue serving as an IHA Board member. Sarawak Energy Group looks forward to working closely with IHA and its members to further advance sustainable hydropower’s role in achieving renewable energy goals and combating climate change.”
The International Hydropower Association, founded in 1995 with the initial support of UNESCO, is the world’s largest and most influential hydropower network and serves as the global voice of sustainable hydropower. Its members span over 100 countries, including hydropower owners, operators, developers, designers, suppliers, and consultants.
Sharbini also delivered a keynote speech at the opening plenary of the World Hydropower Congress (WHC) organized by the IHA in 2023. The congress is held biennially, bringing together industry leaders, governments, international organizations, financial institutions, and civil society groups to jointly discuss the future of sustainable hydropower development.
He will serve alongside 17 other hydropower leaders from across six major regions (Africa, North & Central America, South America, Europe, South & Central Asia, East Asia & Pacific) for a two-year term starting from September 2025. The board is responsible for setting IHA's strategic priorities to advance the global clean energy transition.
Since becoming CEO of Sarawak Energy Group in 2017, Sharbini first joined the IHA Board, later being re-elected in 2019, 2021, and 2023, showcasing his ongoing leadership in promoting sustainable hydropower development in Malaysia and the Southeast Asian region.
In today’s press release, Sharbini stated: “This re-election is recognition of Sarawak Energy Group’s longstanding efforts and commitment in promoting sustainable hydropower development. We are dedicated to providing affordable, reliable, and renewable energy for Sarawak and the region, while also contributing towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and moving towards a sustainable energy future.”
Under his leadership, the Group successfully advocated for large hydropower to be officially included in Malaysia’s renewable energy mix in 2021 and has since become the country’s largest renewable energy developer.
“Since joining the International Hydropower Association in 2010, Sarawak Energy Group has been actively promoting sustainable hydropower, showcasing its strengths at regional and international conferences, forums, and through outreach activities. We share our hydropower development journey to contribute to regional discussions on sustainability and energy transition, and to support IHA’s global influence.”
“This re-election also reflects the significance of our contributions and enables Sarawak Energy Group to maintain a voice in the international hydropower community. Although we are a relatively small organization located in Borneo, our efforts have been recognized internationally in the hydropower sector,” Sharbini said.
Sarawak Energy Group ensures that its hydropower plants and projects comply with the Hydropower Sustainability Standard—a globally recognized benchmark—and adheres to guidelines set by the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD). At the same time, it aligns with the San José Declaration, which affirms that only sustainable hydropower is acceptable.
Sharbini added: “It is an honor to continue serving as an IHA Board member. Sarawak Energy Group looks forward to working closely with IHA and its members to further advance sustainable hydropower’s role in achieving renewable energy goals and combating climate change.”
The International Hydropower Association, founded in 1995 with the initial support of UNESCO, is the world’s largest and most influential hydropower network and serves as the global voice of sustainable hydropower. Its members span over 100 countries, including hydropower owners, operators, developers, designers, suppliers, and consultants.
Sharbini also delivered a keynote speech at the opening plenary of the World Hydropower Congress (WHC) organized by the IHA in 2023. The congress is held biennially, bringing together industry leaders, governments, international organizations, financial institutions, and civil society groups to jointly discuss the future of sustainable hydropower development.