NEWS & UPDATES

KUCHING, 14 OCTOBER 2019, MONDAY: Sarawak Energy is organising its first own-brand thought leadership conference as a platform for greater discussion on sustainability and renewable energy. Organised with the Ministry of Utilities Sarawak, the Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum or SAREF 2019 will be held at Borneo Convention Center Kuching (BCCK) in Kuching from 10 to 11 December 2019.

Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg is expected to officiate at the opening of the forum, together with Sarawak Minister for Utilities Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi anak Utom and Sarawak Energy Group CEO Datu Haji Sharbini Suhaili (pic).

Speaking at a special session to headline the event will be Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh who serves as a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Goodwill Ambassador. In this role, the award-winning Malaysian actress raises awareness and mobilises support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The UN SDGs aim to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030 through a set of 17 interconnecting goals that address current global challenges. Sarawak Energy’s focus is on UN SDG7 on providing greater access to renewable and reliable energy.

SAREF 2019 will feature discussions on how the energy industry and society moves forward in building a sustainable energy future while helping to meet the UN SDGs. Experts, business leaders and champions of sustainability and renewable energy will converge in Kuching to discuss the subject matters.

“We hope that this inaugural forum will be the start of a ten-year campaign, providing a platform biennially for energy leaders to discuss the role of renewable energy in driving sustainability. In addition, we will also explore how we can work towards facilitating cross-border collaborations for a more sustainable energy future,” said Sharbini.

The forum will explore how energy players and other stakeholders can work together to maximise renewable energy solutions to meet growing demand for power in their respective markets and meet emission targets. To showcase the role of business in sustainability, two panel discussions will zoom in on renewable energy certification, and sustainability and financing.

“Our hope is that each subsequent forum every two years will allow us to review progress against what was discussed at the previous forum. We also want to ensure that our efforts are aligned to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” added Sharbini.

The two-day forum will conclude with an Energy Leaders Forum led by Sharbini to drive conversations around renewable energy strategies and technologies for the industry in delivering efficient and sustainable management of natural resources. There will also be an exhibition and podium pitches showcasing related initiatives and products.

In addition to Astro Awani as national media and content partner, Sarawak Energy is also working with CNBC Asia Pacific and the South China Morning Post to ensure key discussion points reach a wider national and regional audience. Moderators will also come from the media partners.

Partner agencies include UN Global Compact Network, Malaysia as knowledge partner and Malaysia’s Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA).

Topics discussed on Day 1 are Sustainability and Renewable Energy; Renewable Hydropower- Catalyst for Growth in SEA; Renewable Energy Certification; Sustainability and Financing.

Day 2 will see sessions on Circular Economy; Driving Sustainability and Preparing the Workforce for 2030.

International speakers include Executive Director of United Nations Global Compact Faroze Nadar and Takafumi Kadono of the World Bank Group. London-based CEO of International Hydropower Association Eddie Rich and US-based CEO of Terracycle Tom Szaky as well as Chief Representative of ASEAN Global Energy Interconnection Quan Nan will also speak.

Details of other speakers, sponsorship and exhibition packages as well as how to register as a delegate are available at www.saref2019.com. Registrations for the forum and exhibition are open now.

Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Goodwill Ambassador.

Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer Datu Haji Sharbini Suhaili

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