NEWS & UPDATES
Sarawak Energy CEO Receives Prestigious Award
KUCHING, Wednesday, 16 April, 2014: Sarawak Energy added another feather to its cap when its Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Torstein Dale Sjotveit, received the Outstanding Entrepreneurship Award in the Oil & Gas, Mining and Energy category at the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards (APEA) BIMP-EAGA 2014.
Datuk Torstein was recognized for his notable role in transforming Sarawak Energy into a modern and robust company to meet the needs of the state's development, particularly the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) agenda.
This also includes the commitment to deliver a tenfold increase in the state's electrical output in just over a period of a decade.
Datuk Torstein was appointed as the CEO of Sarawak Energy in 2009 and have been steering the fully integrated utility company, responsible for development, generation, transmission, distribution and retail of electricity to serve 570,000 customers throughout Sarawak.
Under his helm, Sarawak Energy has transformed tremendously in positioning the company internationally. In line with the rapid expansion, the company had recruited more than 1,800 Sarawakians since 2011 and inked 13 Power Purchase Agreements with industrial and export customers for a total of 2,560 MW of energy. His leadership had also contributed to the company's strong financial performance.
Delighted to have received the award, Datuk Torstein said "This award is dedicated to my entire team of dedicated employees at Sarawak Energy. We have all worked hard to transform and bring the company to a where it is now. There is more to be done especially in materializing the SCORE Phase II to further boost the state economy to achieve a developed status by 2020.”
Prior to joining Sarawak Energy, Datuk Torstein was the President and CEO of Europe’s biggest shipbuilding group, Aker Yards ASA, with 15,000 employees. Before that, he served 27 years in the Norwegian Industrial Conglomerate Norsk Hydro where he held senior positions in various areas across the company’s operations.
In 2012, Datuk Torstein won the “Most Influential Clean Energy Advocate Award”, in conjunction with the 15th Power and Electricity World Asia Conference held in Singapore. In 2013, he was conferred the Honorary Panglima Gemilang Bintang Kenyalang for his contributions to the state by the Sarawak Governor.
APEA 2014 was held at the Empire Hotel and Country Club in Brunei Darussalam on Sunday night.
There to receive the award on behalf of Datuk Torstein was Sarawak Energy Chief Operating Officer, Mr Lu Yew Hung. Also present were some of the company's executive management committee members.
APEA is a regional recognition program for outstanding entrepreneurs across Asia. It is also a platform for business leaders and leading entrepreneurs in the region to network and share their knowledge.
It is Asia's most prestigious awards for entrepreneurs in honor of their entrepreneurial spirit and acumen, whilst not neglecting social responsibilities.
It also awards individuals who have demonstrated their ability to be role models for emerging entrepreneurs as well as have the tenacity and perseverance to continue innovating and making a difference under adverse situations and environments.
The award also represents the BIMP-EAGA success stories.
