(Bangkok, 10th) With the global demand for data centers, artificial intelligence (AI), and green technology continuously increasing, Sarawak possesses huge advantages and has the potential to develop water resources into high-value industrial commodities.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari said that Sarawak's abundant river networks provide a solid foundation for water resource management in the state, and in the future, water resources could even be exported to neighboring countries.
He pointed out that this advantage is also driven by global industrial demands, as high-density data processing and AI infrastructure around the world are increasingly reliant on water cooling systems.
"When sharing Sarawak's development agenda, we anticipate that water resources will become an important commodity, just as some countries now export water resources to those in need.
"Certain regions must share rivers with several countries, but Sarawak's advantage lies in having a large number of rivers, all under our control. This means we have abundant water resources. With new technology, these water resources can be shared with neighboring countries in need, just like Sarawak currently exports electricity to multiple countries."
Abang Johari made these comments to the media after delivering his keynote speech titled "Water: The Driving Force for a Sustainable and Resilient Future in Sarawak" at the 2025 Water and Development Congress & Exhibition (WDCE) held today in Bangkok.
He further pointed out that the global shift toward high-tech industries has made the importance of water resources increasingly prominent; its role, like other energy resources, is crucial to the development of modern industries.
"We are currently in a phase of transitioning toward modern technology industries such as AI and semiconductors. These emerging industries require water resources as a supply for cooling systems."
"This means that if there is strong demand for water resources, water-abundant countries will likely share with water-scarce countries."
"The public is undergoing technological transformation through data centers and other technologies, and these require water cooling systems. Precisely because of the growing demand, the value of water resources will increase and become part of industrial energy."
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari said that Sarawak's abundant river networks provide a solid foundation for water resource management in the state, and in the future, water resources could even be exported to neighboring countries.
"When sharing Sarawak's development agenda, we anticipate that water resources will become an important commodity, just as some countries now export water resources to those in need.
"Certain regions must share rivers with several countries, but Sarawak's advantage lies in having a large number of rivers, all under our control. This means we have abundant water resources. With new technology, these water resources can be shared with neighboring countries in need, just like Sarawak currently exports electricity to multiple countries."
Abang Johari made these comments to the media after delivering his keynote speech titled "Water: The Driving Force for a Sustainable and Resilient Future in Sarawak" at the 2025 Water and Development Congress & Exhibition (WDCE) held today in Bangkok.
He further pointed out that the global shift toward high-tech industries has made the importance of water resources increasingly prominent; its role, like other energy resources, is crucial to the development of modern industries.
"We are currently in a phase of transitioning toward modern technology industries such as AI and semiconductors. These emerging industries require water resources as a supply for cooling systems."
"This means that if there is strong demand for water resources, water-abundant countries will likely share with water-scarce countries."
"The public is undergoing technological transformation through data centers and other technologies, and these require water cooling systems. Precisely because of the growing demand, the value of water resources will increase and become part of industrial energy."