Sarawak eyes Japanese tech to power rural growth
OSAKA, Japan: The Ministry of International Trade, Industry, and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED) collaborated with Pertama Ferroalloys Sdn Bhd to explore cutting-edge Japanese technologies to transform Sarawak’s rural economies.
As a Japanese investor in Samalaju, Pertama Ferroalloys is committed to participating in Sarawak’s green and sustainable economy by transferring innovative and cost-efficient technologies.
Led by Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, the delegation includes MINTRED Deputy Permanent Secretary Lo Sheau Sia, InvestSarawak Chief Executive Officer Timothy Ong Wye Ern, and Pertama Ferroalloys Vice Chairman Yuki Nakamura.
The mission took place from Aug 5-6, 2025, focusing on innovations in aquaculture and solar energy.
At Iwatani Corporation’s R&D Centre, the delegation examined a land-based aquaculture system capable of reducing operating costs by 20 per cent, increasing survival rates by up to 60 per cent, and enabling four breeding cycles annually, a potential game changer for fish and prawn farming in Sarawak’s rural areas.
In Minabe Town, the team visited a Japan Investment Adviser (JIA) solar facility showcasing a battery-free, grid- tied system that delivers lower costs, minimal maintenance, and higher efficiency, making it particularly suitable for small- scale rural operators.
Malcolm said these technologies could help rural communities diversify their income sources, nurture local entrepreneurs, and turn idle land into productive solar farms, while enhancing Sarawak’s capacity for electricity exports.
“By embracing innovation, we can empower our rural communities, unlock new economic opportunities, and secure a sustainable future for Sarawak,” he said.
