Julaihi (fourth left) in a group photo with his delegation at the Water Horizons Conference 2025 in London. – Sarawak Public Communications Unit photo
KUCHING (Sept 27): Sarawak is on track to host the International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress and Exhibition (WWCE) 2028, with preparations progressing smoothly and strong support from global water leaders.
State Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said Sarawak is committed to ensuring a world-class congress in Kuching, which will further elevate the state’s profile on the global stage.
“Our preparation is on track,” he said, adding that Sarawak will also engage with the Glasgow organising committee for WWCE 2026 to exchange best practices and ensure a smooth transition.
Julaihi recently led a delegation to London, where they met with IWA president Prof Hamanth Kasan, executive director Prof Kalanithy Vairavamoorthy and senior vice president Dr Mohmad Asari Daud to discuss preparations for WWCE 2028.
The meeting also featured updates on the development of the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching 2 (BCCK2), which will serve as the official venue for the congress.
The visit coincided with the Water Horizons Conference 2025, held in London on Sept 24 to 25, which brought together global leaders in the water sector to explore innovative strategies for building resilient and sustainable utilities.
“The conference provided a valuable platform for learning, networking and sharing insights into the future of water management,” the ministry said in a statement issued from London on Thursday.
The Sarawak delegation also visited Wessex Water’s Operation Centre in Bath on Sept 23, recognised internationally for its innovation, sustainability and customer-centric service delivery.
“The visit served as a benchmarking exercise to gain insights into best practices in water supply management and operational excellence implemented internationally,” the ministry added.
The delegation comprised of State Attorney General Dato Sri Saferi Ali, permanent secretary to the State Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Datu Jafri Lias, Deputy State Financial Secretary Datu Hasmawati Sapawi, Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department director Awang Mohammad Fadhillah Awang Redzuan, and Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd acting chief executive officer Malseni Jamal.
