KUCHING (July 15): The Sarawak government, through the state Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication, is embarking on a series of technical working visits to China to explore international best practices and advanced technologies in the fields of water supply, electricity supply, telecommunications, and the space industry.

Led by its minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, the visit spans from July 14 to 18 and covers the cities of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hainan.

“We look forward to exploring potential partnerships with relevant agencies or companies in Guangzhou, particularly in areas such as capacity building, joint pilot projects, and the adoption of advanced technologies,” Julaihi said in a statement yesterday.

The delegation’s itinerary includes site visits to key infrastructure and high-technology facilities, such as the Nansha Huangge Smart Water Treatment Plant, Shenzhen Pumped Storage Power Station, Wenchang International Aerospace City, and the China National Space Administration (CNSA).

Collaborative meetings with government leaders and department heads across the three cities are also scheduled.

As part of the visit, the delegation has successfully conducted site inspections at key facilities in Guangzhou, including the ‘Guangzhou Nansha Nanyue Water: Huangge Water Treatment Plant Phase II – Yuehai Kerong Smart Water’ and ‘Guangzhou Lijiao Sewerage Water Treatment Plant’, two of the nation’s foremost examples of advanced water treatment and smart water management.

“The visits provided valuable opportunities to study how smart systems, automation, and integrated designs contribute to sustainable and efficient urban water services,” added Julaihi.

“These engagements reflect the ministry’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in delivering world-class utility services across Sarawak.”

The delegation comprises state Deputy Utility and Telecommunication Minister (Telecommunication) Datuk Liwan Lagang; Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy Berhad and Petros) Dato Ibrahim Baki; State Financial Secretary Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar; MUTS permanent secretary Datu Jafri Lias; Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) director Awg Mohammad Fadillah Awg Redzuan, Sarawak Civil Service Digitalisation Unit director Huong Siu Hung; Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) general manager Dato Dr Anderson Tiong Ing Heng; and Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) Power chief executive officer Bunyak Lunyong.