Kota Kinabalu: State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister, Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, welcomed Australian enterprises to explore investment opportunities in Sabah.
Given the strong cultural and educational connections between the regions, he cites similarities between their lengthy coastlines and the potential for collaboration in desalination technology.
The Luyang Assemblyman said he desires to enhance air connectivity between Sabah and Australia, particularly in the Perth-Kota Kinabalu route, to facilitate travel and strengthen people-to-people ties.
“Many talented individuals from Sabah have graduated from Australian universities, and ongoing exchanges continue to enrich both communities,” said Phoong during his courtesy visit to the newly appointed Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Danielle Heinecke, on Friday.
Phoong also highlighted Australia’s commendable efforts in advancing renewable energy, particularly in regions like South Australia and Canberra, where some areas achieve 100pc renewable energy generation.
He said Sabah’s eagerness to learn from Australia’s successes in this field as Sabah recently has gained jurisdiction over energy from the federal government.
Furthermore, Phoong also discussed the potential for collaboration in other sectors such as the food industry, biomass, mining, and green manufacturing.
Together during the visit was his political secretary Chan Loong Wei and Assistant to Honorary Consul for Australia in Kota Kinabalu, Elton Sim.
The visit aimed to deepen collaboration between the Sabah government and the Australian government across various sectors.
