KUCHING: The Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in Melbourne, Australia.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg was there to witness the ceremony and exchange of documents at VCCI’s premises in Collin Street in the State of Victoria’s capital city, according to a press statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office.

The MOU signing was part of the Chief Minister’s itinerary while in Melbourne that included the presentation of Swinburne’s University honourary doctorate award to him at the convocation scheduled to be held tomorrow.

Abang Johari in his address after the signing ceremony said Sarawak is looking forward to greater collaboration with Victoria to enhance two-way trade and in the fields of training and further education.

He spoke at length to give an overview of Sarawak’s economic and demographic background, its strength and potentials, industrialisation, economic digitalisation and the development of a green economy.

Earlier, SBF president Datuk Abang Karim Tun Openg and VCCI chief executive Mark Stone also spoke.

The chief minister and members of his entourage then proceeded to Swinburne’s campus in Hawthorn near Melbourne to familiarise themselves with new developments at the campus.

While at the campus they were given interesting insights into research and development, Design Factory and its role and a tour of the university’s innovation centre.

They were also given an overview of the accelerator programme, incubation space and a host of other initiatives towards digitalisation and Industry 4.0 at the university.

Members of the Sarawak delegation included the Assistant Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dr Annuar Rapa’ee, Deputy State Secretary Datu Abu Bakar Marzuki, Petra Jaya MP Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof, members of SBF and board and council members of Swinburne Sarawak.

Also present was the current Consul General for Malaysia in Melbourne Westmoreland Palon, who is a Sarawakian from Kuching.