OGOS 2026
SARAWAK LAUNCHES SOVEREIGN AI INFRASTRUCTURE PLATFORM TO STRENGTHEN DIGITAL GOVERNMENT
KUCHING, 19 August 2026 — Sarawak is positioning itself as a global destination for nature-based and sustainable tourism by leveraging its vast rainforest, cultural diversity, renewable energy resources and UNESCO-recognised heritage, Premier Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg said.
He said Sarawak’s identity as the “Soul of Borneo” was rooted in the close relationship between its people, culture and nature, with about 62 per cent of the state still covered by forests.
Borneo, the world’s third-largest island, has about 740,000 square kilometres of land, including roughly 437,000 square kilometres of tropical rainforest.
“Thus, the ecosystem is very much nature-based. And our economic policies also now towards preservation of nature,” he said at the PATA Travel Mart 2026: Soul of Borneo Gala Evening at the VOCO Hotel Kuching.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s commitment to sustainability was also reflected in its transition towards renewable energy, including hydropower, solar and biomass, while the state was developing hydrogen-powered public transport through the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system in Kuching.
He said the hydrogen-powered ART would support cleaner urban mobility while enhancing convenience for tourists and visitors, describing hydrogen as among the cleanest energy sources.
Sarawak’s newly established airline, AirBorneo, meanwhile, would strengthen connectivity between Sarawak and key destinations across Asia, with the network to be developed organically.
The Premier also highlighted Sarawak’s growing recognition on the international stage, including UNESCO recognition for Gunung Mulu National Park, Niah National Park and the state’s gastronomy, as well as the Kuching Delta Geopark, further strengthening Sarawak’s appeal as a destination combining nature, culture, history and food.
He said the hosting of PATA Travel Mart 2026 in Sarawak was particularly significant as it marked the first time the event was held on the island of Borneo, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the 49th PATA Travel Mart.
Abang Johari expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Sarawak Tourism Board, organising committee, industry partners, sponsors and volunteers for making the event possible.
Also present were Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak and Minister for Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Chairman of Sarawak Tourism Board Dato Dennis Ngau, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Tuan Morshidi Fredrick, Chairman of PATA Mr Henry Oh and Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Tourism Board Dr Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor.