Introduction: A Showcase of Sarawak in Singapore
The Sarawak Mega Fair 2025 is set to take place from 16 to 19 October 2025 at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre and Suntec City Mall Atriums. Organised by the Sarawak Government through the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS), the event is envisioned as one of the largest and most impactful showcases of Sarawak ever held in Singapore. It will highlight the state’s economic potential, tourism appeal, cultural richness, and strategic investments in green technology and infrastructure.
The Fair comprises two major segments: the Business Conference and Trade Exhibition (16–17 October) and the Sarawak Carnival & Gastronomy (16–19 October). Together, these platforms will bridge commerce, culture, and connectivity, positioning Sarawak as both a trade partner and a destination of choice for Singapore and the wider ASEAN region.
The Vision of the Sarawak Mega Fair:
The Mega Fair is designed to go beyond a traditional exhibition. With over 100 exhibitors from trade, investment, tourism, and culture, it will provide a comprehensive picture of Sarawak’s diverse offerings. Attendees can expect immersive cultural performances, interactive displays, and food experiences that showcase the state’s famous delicacies.
For businesses, the conference will be an arena for B2B networking, investment presentations, and breakout sessions focused on renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. For the general public, the Carnival & Gastronomy promises an engaging festival of Sarawak’s unique heritage, music, and food.
The event is expected to attract a distinguished audience, including the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, senior officials from MINTRED (Ministry of International Trade, Industry & Investment Sarawak), corporate leaders, investors, and members of the media.
Sarawak’s Energy Transition and Green Growth:
At the heart of the keynote address is Sarawak’s ambition to establish itself as a regional hub for renewable energy and green technology. Green hydrogen is placed at the forefront of this strategy, supported by the state’s abundant hydropower resources.
Sarawak plans to scale renewable energy generation to 15 gigawatts by 2035 and is actively building a comprehensive hydrogen supply chain.
This transition is guided by the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy (SET-P), a blueprint built on seven strategic pillars:
• Renewable energy
• Natural gas
• Energy efficiency
• Low-carbon mobility
• Clean hydrogen
• Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS)
• Alternative energy
These pillars are supported by five enabling factors, including governance, innovative financing, robust infrastructure, technological advancement, and skilled workforce development.
Complementing this framework are the Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap (SHER) and the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030 (SSB 2030), together creating an integrated approach that positions Sarawak as a regional leader in low-carbon development.
Economic Growth and Strategic Investments:
Sarawak’s economic transformation is not only ecological but also structural. Its GDP is expected to grow beyond 5% in 2025, driven by targeted investments in infrastructure, green energy, and high-impact projects.
Guided by the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, Sarawak is shifting from a resource-dependent economy to a diversified, innovation-driven one. PCDS emphasizes green growth, technological adaptation, and sustainable development.
Among the most significant initiatives is the development of a new international airport at Tanjung Embang, Kuching, designed to accommodate up to 15 million passengers annually—three times the capacity of the current Kuching International Airport. This will strengthen Sarawak’s role as a regional aviation hub for Borneo and a gateway to ASEAN.
Air Connectivity: AirBorneo
Another transformative step is the acquisition of MASwings by the Sarawak Government, with rebranding into AirBorneo scheduled for Q1 2025. This new airline will undergo an 18-month transition period to ensure smooth operations while expanding its fleet and regional reach.
AirBorneo will prioritise point-to-point connectivity to key destinations such as Singapore, Jakarta, and Kuala Lumpur, while opening new regional and international routes. Beyond supporting tourism, reliable air connectivity will play a vital role in attracting foreign investment and facilitating logistics.
Crucially, AirBorneo will also support Sarawak’s renewable energy initiatives by enabling seamless access for investors from Abu Dhabi, Japan, Korea, and other regions.
Ports and Logistics Development:
Complementing air connectivity are plans for two new deep-sea ports — one in Miri (Kuala Baram) and another in Kuching (Tanjung Embang). The latter will also host a Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) gas terminal, creating a dual-purpose facility envisioned as a modern maritime and energy hub modeled after Japan’s Port of Kobe.
With an estimated investment of RM 25–30 billion, the Tanjung Embang port project forms part of the broader Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR) and integrates with the development of the new international airport. Combined, these infrastructure projects form a RM 100 billion development strategy, positioning Sarawak as a key regional logistics and trade hub.
Smart Cities and Green Tech Parks:
Sarawak is also advancing smart urban development through landmark projects such as the Kota Petra Green Technology Park, a private sector-driven initiative to attract green technology investments and foster collaboration between startups and established industry players.
Additionally, the RM 5 billion Kenyalang Smart City Integrated Development, spanning 543 acres, is expected to be a major catalyst for economic growth. Spearheaded by Imasa Dinasari Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of TAK Group, the development integrates smart infrastructure with residential, commercial, and green spaces.
These projects represent Sarawak’s intent to create future-ready cities that combine sustainability with innovation.
Smart Agriculture: From Food Security to Export
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Sarawak’s economy, and the state is adopting technology to transform the sector into a net food exporter. The Sungai Sebiew Precision Farming Park exemplifies this shift, integrating IoT-enabled greenhouses, seedling nurseries, post-harvest handling zones, and a central command centre for real-time farm management.
The project, developed over 18 months under a Public-Private Partnership model, will serve as a model for sustainable and technology-driven agriculture. By embedding IoT and precision farming techniques, Sarawak aims to increase productivity, reduce environmental impact, and enhance food security while opening opportunities for agro-export.
Sarawak–Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) Programme
A key highlight for expatriate and long-term visitors, the S MM2H programme offers a pathway to reside in Sarawak under a 10-year renewable social visit pass tailored by the state government.
Key Features & Requirements
• Duration & Renewal: Initially valid for up to 5 years, renewable for another 5 years to total 10 years.
• Entry Criteria:
o Minimum age: 30 years old
o Fixed deposit: RM 500,000 in a Sarawak bank, mandatory for all applicants effective 1 January 2025
o Offshore income or savings:
Minimum monthly offshore income: RM 10,000 (individual), RM 15,000 (couple); OR
Personal savings: RM 100,000 (individual), RM 200,000 (couple).
o Stay requirement: At least 30 days per year in Sarawak
o One-time processing fee: RM 5,000 from January 2025
Additional Benefits & Conditions
• Property ownership: Allowed—minimum RM 600,000 in Kuching, RM 500,000 in other divisions
• Partial fixed deposit withdrawal: Up to 40–50% may be withdrawn after one year for approved local expenses (e.g., property, medical, education)
• Dependents: Applicants may bring spouse, children under 21, and parents; children must study in Sarawak and hold student passes
• Submission process: Physical application at MTCP One Stop Centre in Sarawak, either directly (with a Sarawakian sponsor) or through a licensed S MM2H agent
• Strategic Value for the Mega Fair Audience
Incorporating details of the S-MM2H programme into the event narrative underscores Sarawak’s appeal not just as a business and cultural destination, but also as a long-term, livable choice for investors, entrepreneurs, and retirees seeking stability, connectivity, and lifestyle in Malaysia.
Why Sarawak Mega Fair 2025 Matters:
The Sarawak Mega Fair 2025 is more than an exhibition — it is a bridge. A bridge between Sarawak and Singapore, between tradition and innovation, between opportunity and action.
For businesses, it presents exclusive access to investment prospects, B2B matchmaking, and sector insights in high-growth industries. For the public, it offers an unforgettable immersion in Sarawak’s cultural richness through food, music, art, and performance.
Sponsors such as E SIMM ROAM, SAINS, Grab, Ibraco, and The Waterfront Hotel have already aligned with this vision, demonstrating confidence in the event’s impact.
Conclusion:
Sarawak is not just developing; it is defining its future. From GDP growth to pioneering hydrogen innovation, from new airports and deep-sea ports to smart cities and agriculture, the state is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable development and regional connectivity.
The Sarawak Mega Fair 2025 will be the moment for Singapore and ASEAN to witness these transformations first-hand. Attendees will gain insight into investment opportunities, cultural treasures, and the ambitious policies shaping Sarawak’s future.