Empowering Sustainable Communities
“Sarawak Energy integrates community outreach with business operations.”
Sarawak Energy is the primary power provider in Sarawak, located on Malaysian Borneo. Wholly owned by the Sarawak Government, the company supplies electricity to approximately 3 million Sarawakians in urban and rural areas with an expanding consumer base of about 790,000 account holders throughout Sarawak, and a growing multidisciplinary workforce of almost 6,000. Established in 1921, the vertically integrated power utility is Malaysia’s largest renewable energy developer with a vision to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity for Sarawak by meeting Southeast Asia’s need for reliable and renewable energy.
Its community outreach is deeply integrated into its business operations, reflecting a commitment to fostering independent, socioeconomically self-sufficient communities. The company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes are built around four key pillars: Education and Young People, Community Development and Entrepreneurship, Culture and Heritage, and Environmental Management and Conservation. These pillars ensure that initiatives align with Sarawak Energy’s core activities while promoting long-term sustainable development, making a positive impact on the communities they serve.
Education is a central focus of Sarawak Energy’s community engagement efforts, particularly where the company has operations or projects usually located in the more remote parts of Borneo.
Through strategic initiatives and investments, Sarawak Energy strives to bridge educational disparities in rural areas, by providing access to quality education. The company operates several initiatives aimed at ensuring young Sarawakians reach their potential by promoting educational attainment.
These include scholarships for higher education and technical skills training programmes designed to enhance the employability of local youth. For instance, Sarawak Energy’s Baleh Skills Training Programme, launched in 2016, has trained more than 700 young individuals from the Baleh and Kapit areas, equipping them with the skills necessary for the job market. Baleh is the project site for a hydropower dam due for commissioning in 2030. The company supports students in rural areas by providing school supplies and academic incentives to encourage attendance and celebrate achievements.
Sarawak Energy also places a strong emphasis on community development and entrepreneurship. The company collaborates with local stakeholders to implement programmes like its Handicraft Development Programme, which aims to upskill indigenous artisans in sustainable craftsmanship and design to expand markets for their products. This not only preserves traditional artistry but also creates new economic opportunities for artisans through national and international platforms. In addition, Sarawak Energy supports agriculture and entrepreneurship training, including targeted initiatives such as skills training in hydroponics and small business management, helping local communities become more economically self-reliant.
To ensure the success of these initiatives, Sarawak Energy works closely with external partners. The Handicraft Development Programme is carried out in collaboration with NGOs, local schools, and community-based organisations. By partnering with independent bodies, Sarawak Energy leverages local expertise, fosters trust, and ensures that its initiatives address actual community needs. This collaborative approach not only enhances the effectiveness of the programmes but also ensures their long-term sustainability by engaging local stakeholders in both the development and execution phases.
Sarawak Energy is committed to the preservation of local culture and heritage. The company supports cultural programmes such as the Pesta Main Adat Asal, Nanga Entawau, Baleh– an event celebrating Iban traditional games, music, and culinary practices. The company supports traditional musical performances, sponsoring local festivals, and allocates resources for cultural preservation projects, including the Warisan Sape (an indigenous music instrument) talent development programme designed to safeguard traditional music. Such efforts ensure that cultural heritage remains vibrant while cultivating a sense of pride and identity within the communities it serves.
Similarly, the company’s environmental initiatives further demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and community involvement. Through long-term tree planting and habitat restoration programmes, the company collaborates with communities to plant thousands of trees across the region of Sarawak. For example, a tree-planting event in Balingian involving 100 participants resulted in 500 fruit trees being planted, which not only contributed to environmental conservation but also provided economic benefits to the local community. Such initiatives are part of a broader strategy to integrate community-driven environmental management practices.
As a board member of the UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei, Sarawak Energy is fully committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and infusing sustainability principles into every aspect of its operations. This commitment extends to its CSR community investment initiatives, designed to not only minimise any potential negative impacts of its operations but to maximise positive outcomes for the community.
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