In a major step toward advancing green infrastructure in Southeast Asia, Zecon Berhad has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC) and the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs). The signing took place during the opening of the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak 2024 (IDECS).
This collaborative agreement sets the foundation for the ambitious Kota Petra Green Technology Park (KPGTP), a sprawling 3,000-acre green industry hub designed to house advanced sustainable technologies. Key to its operations will be a 300MW solar farm paired with a cutting-edge 600MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), aligning with global sustainability objectives and furthering Sarawak’s commitment to renewable energy.
The signing was witnessed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, with Zecon represented by Group Managing Director Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad. SDEC Chief Executive Officer Dato Sudarnoto Osman and Centexs Chief Executive Officer Dato Syeed Mohd Hussein Wan Abdul Rahman also formalized the agreement on behalf of their organizations.
Under this partnership, Zecon will manage the land, while SDEC is set to expedite digital technology and telecommunications services within the park. Centexs will play a key role in workforce and skill development, providing industry-specific training and technology testbeds to foster technical excellence in the region.
Designed as a hub for green industries and sustainable development, KPGTP’s strategic location adjacent to Demak Laut Industrial Park and Senari Port, just 7km from Kuching’s city center, offers exceptional access to Southeast Asian markets. With its Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status, endorsed by the Sarawak government, KPGTP is expected to become a magnet for investment, rivaling technology parks in Malaysia’s western regions, as well as in Batam and Singapore.
The project is expected to attract investments totaling approximately RM12 billion and create up to 10,000 jobs during its construction, with 4,300 positions directly generated by the development. The park’s operational phase is projected to contribute at least RM1.7 billion to the local GDP annually, with additional indirect benefits as tenant companies expand and produce goods and services.
“This MoU embodies Zecon’s commitment to sustainable growth and innovation,” said Brandon Goh, Zecon’s General Manager (Corporate). “Through this collaboration, we’re not only establishing an advanced industrial hub but also setting a new benchmark for green technology initiatives.”
Zecon is pursuing further collaborations to enhance KPGTP’s development, including separate MoUs with Huawei Technology (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and China Energy International Group (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, focused on renewable energy solutions and technology development. Zecon is currently in discussions with several financial institutions to secure funding for the project’s engineering, procurement, and construction (EPCC) phases, estimated to require RM900 million in capital expenditure. The infrastructure will include a comprehensive network of bridges across the Santubong and Serai rivers, essential to the park’s connectivity.
As part of its commitment to environmental stewardship, the KPGTP plans to host six AI-driven data centers, positioning Sarawak at the forefront of the data-driven economy while reinforcing sustainable practices.
With its robust infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and green energy commitment, KPGTP represents a transformative step toward Sarawak’s vision of a sustainable, technology-powered future, laying the groundwork for similar developments across the region.