Our visit to the IEW 2023, Borneo's Biggest International Energy Expo & Summit, was an incredible experience centered around the theme of "Transitioning Towards A Net-Zero Carbon Future." This year's event took place at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Sarawak from June 13-15, and featured a wide range of industry-leading companies showcasing their latest innovations and solutions.
The visit to this expo was originally intended to be a meetup with one of the principal brand partners, Siemens. They flew in all the way from Kuala Lumpur to present a comprehensive booth showcase, complete with Tech Talks and various product demonstrations specifically catered to prospective Oil and Gas clients in the Sarawak market. Siemens' commitment to sustainable energy solutions was evident through their offerings and presentations.
The event itself was officially inaugurated by the Guest of Honor, The Premier of Sarawak, The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg. His presence highlighted the importance and significance of the energy expo in the region.
During our time at the event, we had the opportunity to learn about the newest clean energies that the Premier of Sarawak highly recommends for the local economy. These initiatives included the utilization of hydrogen as a power source for vehicles and the development of microalgae as a green energy alternative to diesel to power as aviation fuel and also posed as a viable option for gensets. The Premier's forward-thinking approach and emphasis on sustainable practices showcased his commitment to a net-zero carbon future.
Our access to the VIP lounge sponsored by Mubadala Energy further enhanced our experience at the expo. Mubadala Energy, as one of the largest platform operators in the energy sector, provided an excellent networking opportunity. We were able to mingle with representatives from Mubadala Energy, exchange contacts, and discuss potential collaborations and partnerships.
In addition to engaging with Mubadala Energy, we also made valuable connections with numerous exhibitors in the energy sector. With over 200 exhibitors present at the event, we had the chance to meet industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators, creating a network of contacts that could potentially lead to future collaborations and business opportunities.
The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the exclusive invitation we received from DayakDaily, a renowned Sarawak online news portal. They extended an invitation for us to attend a dialogue session with the Premier, Abang Jo, on July 8th, titled "Sunday Morning with Premier." This session was designed specifically for young entrepreneurs under the age of 35, and we were grateful to have received two invites. It presented an incredible opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation with the Premier and gain insights into the new economy and its potential impact on Sarawak.
Overall, our visit to the IEW 2023 was not only informative but also highly fruitful. We had the chance to witness cutting-edge technologies, connect with industry leaders, and gain a deeper understanding of the energy sector's transition towards a net-zero carbon future. This experience has undoubtedly broadened our horizons and opened doors to exciting possibilities in the sustainable energy landscape.