Why Sarawak?

Disruptive Change:
Impact and Challenges

Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia with a landmass of 124,450 sq km and has a long coastline of 1,051 kilometres. It  has an abundance of natural resources, an extensive river system, huge tracts of land, unspoilt and well-conserved tropical rainforest, a diverse collection of tropical flora and fauna, as well as one of the most extensive storage of biodiversity in the world.

Its young population makes up 68 per cent of its total population of 2.7 million people comprising 27 different ethnic groups co-existing peacefully and harmoniously. The biggest ethnic group’s the Iban at 29 per cent of the population, followed by the Chinese at 22 per cent and Malays at 22 per cent. Sarawak’s fascinating multiculturalism isn’t only reflected in the various languages spoken but also in their lifestyle, culture and cuisine.

Since independence in 1963, Sarawak has enjoyed political stability. Due to this, it’s able to systematically implement its development agenda to foster a strong economy. It has successfully diversified its economic base from highly dependent on primary sector to secondary and tertiary sectors. In 2016, the services sector contributed 33.4 per cent to its economy, followed by manufacturing sector at 27.6 per cent, mining and quarrying at 21.5 per cent, agriculture at 14 per cent and construction at 3.1 per cent. Sarawak’s the third largest economy among the 13 states in Malaysia.

In Sarawak, the Governor is the head of state and its Chief Minister is the chief executive of the Sarawak Government who also heads the State Cabinet. The pro-business approach of the State and Federal governments facilitates industries’ needs, encourage economic growth and investment. There are strong collaboration efforts by Federal and State governments in terms of investment and industrial policies.

A-9-1, Level 9, Hampshire Place Office,
157 Hampshire, No 1 Jalan Mayang Sari,
50450 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
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