KUCHING (Oct 18): Sarawak and Singapore will embark on a new collaboration focused on environmental education for the younger generation, particularly through student exchange programmes involving primary and secondary school students.

Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative was discussed with Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong during their meeting on Thursday, according to a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas).

He said the proposal stemmed from Singapore’s interest in giving its students opportunities to learn about natural forests and wildlife, which are scarce in the republic.

“Singapore does not have forests, and many young people there have never seen wildlife up close,” he said when speaking at the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) Annual Dinner on Friday.

“Therefore, the Deputy Prime Minister and I agreed that students from Singapore could come to Sarawak through a student exchange programme to learn about nature.”

Abang Johari said the initiative would not only enhance environmental awareness among students but also provide opportunities for the SFC to share expertise with teachers and students from Singapore, including expatriate learners.

He also proposed that Singapore grant more landing rights to Sarawak’s airline, AirBorneo, to facilitate the implementation of the programme.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari said Sarawak’s recent recognition by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) reflected the state’s sound environmental management practices.

He said the recognition of Gua Niah as a Unesco World Heritage Site, along with the Sarawak Delta Geopark’s progress towards Unesco Global Geopark status, demonstrates Sarawak’s commitment to sustainability.

“It shows that we have managed our environment wisely, and this success places Sarawak on the world map,” he said, adding that the achievements highlight the state’s action-oriented approach to sustainable development.

He also commended SFC and all parties involved for their efforts in achieving these international milestones, which not only add value to tourism but also position Gua Niah as a world-class archaeological research site.

Also present at the event were Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Len Talif Salleh and SFC general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran.