NEWS & UPDATE

KUALA LUMPUR
1 JUNE 2025

Sarawak Energy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei, formalising a partnership to implement the Artisans Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Programme aimed at diversifying revenue streams for indigenous artisans from Sarawak’s rural communities through e-commerce and logistics support.

The signing ceremony, which took place on 23 May 2025 at DHL Express Malaysia headquarters saw Ir. Bunyak Lunyong, CEO of SEB Power signing on behalf of Sarawak Energy, while DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei was represented by Managing Director, Julian Neo. The MoU signing was witnessed by George Chapman, Senior Vice President for Legal and Compliance and Jiwari Abdullah, General Manager for Social Impact Management from Sarawak Energy, alongside Saurabh Kumar, Managing Director of DHL eCommerce Malaysia.

Aimed at strengthening digital capabilities and expanding market access, the initiative support indigenous artisans in leveraging e-commerce platforms such as TikTok Shop, supported by DHL's international logistics infrastructure.

Speaking at the event, Ir. Bunyak highlighted the importance of the collaboration, adding “The partnership signifies a meaningful step forward in Sarawak Energy’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship, aligning with our social investment pillars and broader objective of creating enduring value for indigenous rural communities. By combining DHL’s international logistics expertise with the reach of digital platforms like TikTok Shop, artisans gain enhanced market visibility, continuous skill development, broader access to customers, and improved business acumen – ultimately enabling both social and economic empowerment.”

Under the Artisan Empowerment and Entrepreneurship programme, 20 artisans from the Bakun and Murum communities in Sarawak will undergo a comprehensive week-long training with DHL and TikTok Shop to learn e-commerce fundamentals, supply chain management, content creation, and business scaling. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide, enabling rural artisans to access international markets through e-commerce platforms available on TikTok.

Meanwhile, Julian emphasised the transformative potential of the partnership, stating, "We believe that global trade empowers small businesses and drives the economic mobility of communities. We are proud to work together with Sarawak Energy to provide indigenous artisans with the support and guidance they need to succeed across borders. Through the programme, we can help unlock their growth potential while preserving their rich cultural heritage."

The Artisans Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Programme builds upon Sarawak Energy's existing Handicraft Development Programme, launched in 2016 in partnership with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. This long-standing initiative plays a key role in preserving traditional craftsmanship while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. The collaboration with DHL aligns closely with Sarawak Energy’s social investment pillar of Community Development and Entrepreneurship, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to uplifting rural communities and creating long-term economic value through inclusive and strategic partnerships. Over the years, Sarawak Energy has supported numerous initiatives dedicated to the preservation of Sarawak’s unique cultural heritage. Notable examples include the Warisan Sape Telang Usan Programme, the annual Batu Tungun Blessing Ceremony, and the sponsorship of the Guinness World Record in 2016 for the longest woven mat, crafted by a collective of Orang Ulu women weavers.

Through the partnership with DHL, Sarawak Energy continues to be committed to powering the communities and strengthening collaboration with industry experts to create a long-term positive impact for more communities in Sarawak.

Ir. Bunyak Lunyong, CEO of SEB Power (second right) and Julian Neo, Managing Director of DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei (second left) at the end of the MoU signing ceremony formalising a partnership to implement the Artisans Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Programme alongside witnesses George Chapman, Sarawak Energy’s Senior Vice President for Legal and Compliance (right) and Saurabh Kumar, Managing Director of DHL eCommerce Malaysia (left).

Ir. Bunyak Lunyong, CEO of SEB Power (second right) and Julian Neo, Managing Director of DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei (second left) at the end of the MoU signing ceremony formalising a partnership to implement the Artisans Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Programme alongside witnesses George Chapman, Sarawak Energy’s Senior Vice President for Legal and Compliance (right) and Saurabh Kumar, Managing Director of DHL eCommerce Malaysia (left).

Sarawak Energy and DHL representatives, led by Ir. Bunyak Lunyong, CEO of SEB Power (7th right) and Julian Neo, Managing Director of DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei (6th left) at the conclusion of the MoU signing ceremony formalising a partnership to implement the Artisans Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Programme which will see 20 artisans from the Murum and Bakun areas undergo training and receive support in e-commerce and logistics.