KUCHING (Oct 16): Sarawak’s soon-to-launch airline, AirBorneo, will include Singapore among its destinations to strengthen tourism and trade ties between the state and the island republic, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the move would enhance air connectivity between Sarawak and Singapore, creating more convenient travel options and increasing the inflow of international tourists to the state.

In addition to AirBorneo, Abang Johari said flights by AirAsia and Scoot will also be increased to expand travel routes and provide more choices for visitors.

“Our business model is somewhat different, but at this moment I cannot fully disclose it.

“What is important is that tourist movement must be made easier. We are on an island, so obviously, tourists cannot swim to Sarawak. We must provide a connecting ‘bridge’, and flights serve as that bridge,” he told a press conference after officiating the Sarawak Mega Fair 2025 at Suntec Singapore Exhibition and Convention Centre in Singapore today.

Abang Johari said the collaboration with Singapore will also extend to the trade sector, including plans to transport fresh produce from Sarawak to Singapore using modified ATR-180 refrigerated cargo aircraft.

“As everyone knows, we also supply fish to Singapore.

“Air Borneo will handle air cargo services where planes can depart at 6am and products will arrive in stores by around 7.30am,” he said.

He explained that the ATR-180 aircraft would be converted into refrigerated cargo planes to ensure seafood and fruits from Sarawak reach Singapore fresh and of high quality.

“All of this will be coordinated through the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (Statos) as the main link between Sarawak and Singapore,” he said.

The premier also expressed optimism about continued cooperation with Singapore on youth talent development and research in emerging technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor innovation.

He said such collaboration would strengthen both regions’ positions as digital and AI development hubs in Southeast Asia.

“Singaporean youth possess skills aligned with the current economic development, especially in AI. Those from National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University, and the polytechnics are already exposed to these new technologies.

“Similarly, Sarawak’s youth are currently undergoing training, and once the ecosystem is in place, they can collaborate more creatively,” he said.

Abang Johari said cooperation between Sarawak and Singapore in talent development has begun from early education, with student exchange programmes between secondary schools and universities on both sides.

“We are open for Singaporean secondary school students to visit Sarawak, and vice versa. This was agreed upon between me and the former Deputy Prime Minister as well as the former Minister of Education of Singapore, who is now the Transport Minister,” he said.

He added that the partnership has expanded to postgraduate research, especially in biodiversity and new economic sciences.

“Research students from Singapore can collaborate with our universities in Sarawak to explore new economic fields, especially those related to biodiversity.

“This not only provides academic benefits but also enhances the global ranking of universities through research journal publications,” he said.

Credits: Marilyn Ten, The Borneo Post 2025