AIM-Netherlands Biohub Port Sarawak Showcase Event

AIM yesterday showcased a new biohub port in Sarawak that mark the strategic collaboration between AIM, Regal Lands Sdn Bhd (REGAL), Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad (BPHB) and the Port of Rotterdam (PoR).

​The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation YB Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar in his speech read by the Secretary General of MOSTI Datuk Ir. Dr. Siti Hamisah Binti Tapsir at the showcase said, “The signing of this MoU to create a BioHub Port in Sarawak, the first for the State and for Malaysia, is a major development for AIM’s initiative to develop, accelerate and consolidate sustainable biomass economy for the country.”

​“I would like to stress Malaysia’s focus on science and technology. The Ministry, through AIM and our ecosystem will continue to support this BioHub Port as it is a significant innovation with an ecosystem that will boost the already excellent pre-conditions that exists in the State for the development of a robust biomass based industry. Sarawak is truly a prime location with vast river networks and robust infrastructure that can make commercial sense of the biomass resource from its various agricultural activities, which include the largely agriculture-based Rural Communities,” added the Minister.

​The Minister highlighted that the BioHub Port has been identified as an enabling component to Circular Economy Malaysia plan. Conceptualised, promoted and supported by AIM with the growing list of esteemed implementation partners, will help spur highly localised and value-added activities, such as integrated R&D and innovation, and technology-based business opportunities for both local and international stakeholders. It has been estimated that Sarawak stands to capture about RM4.8 billion additional revenue per year, create more than 35,000 new Green jobs and generate approximately RM18 billion in investments. The BioHub Port can be a major contributor.

​Ambassador of the Netherlands to Malaysia, H.E. Aart Jacobi in his welcome speech said, “The port of Rotterdam accommodates the world’s largest renewables industrial cluster. This has been possible with the excellent connections for supply and transit, processing of biomass, cargo flows and storage facilities. With several biofuel plants and biochemical companies, Rotterdam is the European hub for bio based industries.”

“Today we look forward to the launch of this project that aims to position Malaysia as a regional premier biohub port. The BioHub concept is something that has been advocated by AIM together with their partners. This collaboration with the support of the government would accelerate the sustainable economic growth of Sarawak,” he added.

​Also present at the event were Chairman of Steinbeis Malaysia Foundation YBhg. Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon, Chairman of Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad YBhg. Tan Sri Dr. Ismail Haji Bakar and AIM CEO Encik Naser Jaafar.