Sarawak Energy celebrates media partnership at "New Year Luxe" appreciation dinner
- BT
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
KUCHING, 17 January 2026 - Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) hosted its Media Appreciation Dinner 2026 on last night at the Riverside Majestic Hotel Puteri Wing here. The evening saw SEB feting media practitioners to an evening of relaxation and appreciation under the theme "New Year Luxe."
The Media Appreciation Dinner reinforced Sarawak Energy's commitment to fostering strong relationships with the media community, recognising their essential role as partners in communicating the State's energy transformation journey to the public.
In his address to the media last night, Sarawak Energy's Group Chief Operating Officer, Dato Ir. James Ung, emphasised the vital role media practitioners play in the energy sector.
“Tonight is about recognising the important role that you as media practitioners play. As custodians of Sarawak media landscape, your commitment to accurate and responsible reporting is fundamental to public understanding,” James said.
He expressed appreciation for the partnership between Sarawak Energy and the media, particularly in communicating complex issues around energy, sustainability, and power development.
“On behalf of Sarawak Energy, thank you to all of you for your trust, engagement, and constructive dialogues we have shared over the past many years,” he added.
James highlighted the critical behind-the-scenes work that Sarawak Energy undertakes.
“Sarawak Energy is tasked to ensure we continue to keep the lights on 24 hours, 365 days,” he said, stressing the importance of responsible journalism in helping the public understand the challenges facing the utility company.
“Clear, accurate and responsible reporting is therefore essential in enabling the public to understand the issues and challenges that Sarawak Energy is facing,” he added.
James also outlined Sarawak Energy's ambitious renewable energy targets, saying: “Guided by the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, and the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy (SETP), we are supporting the Sarawak Government's goal of generating 10 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and subsequently 15 gigawatts by 2035.”
He shared the company's journey toward clean energy, noting that Sarawak Energy has transformed its generation portfolio from largely fossil fuel-based to predominantly renewable energy anchored by hydropower.
“We began our hydropower journey in the early 1980s with the Batang Ai hydroelectric plant. And we celebrated the 40th anniversary of Batang Ai commissioning last year. Currently, Sarawak Energy operates three major hydropower plants… Bakun, Murum, and Batang Ai. The Baleh hydroelectric project is currently under construction and is scheduled for full commissioning by the year 2030,” he explained. He also highlighted international recognition for Sarawak Energy's sustainability efforts.
“Our commitment to responsible and sustainable hydropower continue to gain international recognition, whereby last year the Bakun electric hydroplant received the International Hydropower Association Blue Planet Prize in Paris and achieved silver certification under the hydropower sustainability standards. Our Yang Amat Berhormat Premier of Sarawak was actually in Paris receiving the award on behalf of Sarawak Energy,” he shared.
Providing current figures on the company's generation capacity, he said: “Including thermal power and other indigenous sources, our generation capacity currently stands at 5,898 megawatts. We will continue to maintain a higher percentage of renewables in our generation mix, with a target of at least 60% of renewables from now until 2030 and beyond.”
Meanwhile, the Media Appreciation Night was a night for journalists and media professionals to set aside their cameras and writing instruments and simply enjoy a well-deserved break from their demanding work. The evening featured engaging activities including an exciting Kahoot! quiz game and a best-dressed competition among others.
The highlight of the night was a series of lucky draws that kept attendees on the edge of their seats. The grand prize winner walked away with a brand-new iPhone 17 Pro. BorneoTalk's own Bernardo got lucky too, winning a brand new DJI Osmo Pocket 3 vlogging camera that’s perfect for content creators.
