When you think of Borneo, maybe you imagine dense jungles, riverboats, or longhouses. Fair. But let’s flip the lens a bit—because Sarawak is quietly becoming one of Malaysia’s most exciting places to invest and build something big.
The Sarawak government isn’t just dreaming big with their Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030)—they’re actually doing the work to turn Sarawak into a high-income, tech-forward, green-powered economy. If you’re living overseas and Sarawak is your hometown, maybe it’s time to give it another look. You might be surprised by what you find.
Location, Location, Location
Sarawak’s in a sweet spot—right in the middle of Asia’s fast-growing region. Ports like Bintulu, Samalaju, and Kuchingare keeping goods moving and businesses buzzing. From Southeast Asia to Japan and even Europe and the US, trade routes are solid.
If you’re thinking about supply chains or logistics, this place makes a whole lot of sense.
The Economy’s Not Just Growing—It’s Booming
Let’s talk numbers for a sec. In 2023 alone, Sarawak did RM193 billion in trade. That’s a whole lot of stuff moving in and out. We’re exporting LNG, crude oil, palm oil, and aluminium—and importing machines, tech, and industrial materials to fuel more growth.
Main trade partners? The usual big names: China, Japan, South Korea, India… and of course, Peninsular Malaysia.
Where the Money’s Flowing
Sama Jaya: The Tech Playground
Electronics, semiconductors, smart gadgets, high-end furniture… it’s all happening in Sama Jaya Free Industrial Zone. Kuching is shaping up to be the next tech hub.
Samalaju: Power-Packed Industries
Heavy industries are thriving thanks to Sarawak’s cheap, green hydropower. Aluminium, silicon, ferroalloys—stuff that takes a lot of energy but makes even more money.
Farms with a Future
Agri is big here. By 2030, Sarawak wants to be a net food exporter. With modern agro parks and smarter farming, there’s real potential to grow (literally and financially).
Forests + Future = BioIndustrials
We’ve got the land, we’ve got the trees, and now we’ve got the plans to make eco-products the next big thing. BioIndustrial Parks are on the rise.
Going Hydrogen
Yup—hydrogen-powered buses and trains. Projects like H2biscus and KUTS show Sarawak isn’t just catching up—it’s jumping ahead.
So What’s PCDS 2030 All About?
In a nutshell: it’s the roadmap for Sarawak’s growth. Six big sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and forestry are the main drivers. And they’re backed by tech, transport, infrastructure, green energy, and education.
More than just a plan—it’s being tracked, measured, and updated. This thing has momentum.
Young, Eager, and Ready to Work
Sarawak’s got a population of around 2.47 million, and most of them are under 40. That means lots of potential talent. The state’s pushing STEM education and vocational training so businesses can hire locally and hit the ground running.
Business-Friendly? Oh Yeah.
Taxes? They’re giving breaks left and right for the right industries. Land? Affordable. Utilities? Competitive.
There are incentives for export-driven businesses, manufacturing, and tech ventures. Whether you’re a startup or an MNC, it’s worth checking out.
Infrastructure That’s Actually Useful
Smart ports. Good roads. Reliable electricity. And yes—even rural areas are getting high-speed internet. Plus, that hydrogen train project? It’s not sci-fi. It’s happening.
All this makes doing business smoother—and living here easier.
Green Business? This Is the Place
Sarawak is walking the talk when it comes to sustainability. Hydropower, solar, carbon capture—it’s all in play. And the state is dead serious about its ESG goals.
For any business that wants to stay ahead of the global green curve, Sarawak’s ticking a lot of the right boxes.
Calling All Sarawakians Abroad
If you’re living overseas and Sarawak is where your roots are—this is your gentle nudge (okay, maybe not so gentle). Your home is changing in a big way.
Imagine the familiar comfort of home—laksa, kopitiams, your old neighbours—with the buzz of tech, fresh career options, and global-level business opportunities.
Whether you want to invest, build something new, or just reconnect, Sarawak is ready for you. Are you ready for Sarawak?
Final Thoughts
Sarawak’s not just getting by. It’s thriving. Innovating. Growing.
And it’s doing it in a way that still feels like home.
So whether you’re looking to grow your business, start a new life chapter, or come back to your roots—Sarawak has the space, support, and spirit to make it happen.
Check out Invest Sarawak for the latest info. Or better yet—come back, look around, and see the opportunities for yourself.
