MIRI , Feb 21: The Sarawak government has reaffirmed its commitment to forward-looking urban development that is carefully planned, responsibly executed and designed to deliver long-term value to real communities, not only for today but for generations to come.
Sarawak Minister for Transport and Senadin assemblyman YB Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said developments such as Kenyalang Smart City (KSC) reflected the state’s broader vision of shaping a resilient, connected and inclusive future for Miri.
He was speaking at the Kenyalang Smart City Chinese New Year celebration and Iftar gathering held here on Thursday night (19 February 2026).
Lee said KSC should be viewed not merely as a physical development involving buildings and infrastructure, but as a comprehensive urban strategy that would help define the city’s long-term direction.
“Miri has always been a city of energy and momentum,” he said. “From the early days of the oil and gas industry, to growth in education, tourism and cross-border connectivity, this city has never stood still.”
He stressed that sustainable urban growth depended on strong mobility systems and effective connectivity.
“Connectivity brings people together. It creates opportunity and gives a city its pulse,” he said, adding that smart planning, efficient mobility, environmental stewardship and liveable spaces must sit at the core of any modern development.
According to Lee, initiatives such as KSC aligned with Sarawak’s development agenda by prioritising quality of life, economic opportunity and long-term sustainability.
He also underlined the importance of close collaboration between the government, the private sector and the wider community in delivering successful urban projects.
“When developers like Imasa Dinasti invest with vision and responsibility, the government is always ready to support and facilitate,” he said.
Lee expressed confidence that KSC would emerge as a new symbol of Miri’s progress, helping to attract talent, generate employment and expand economic opportunities for Sarawakians.
On the social dimension, he noted that hosting a Chinese New Year celebration and an Iftar in a single event might be uncommon elsewhere, but was entirely natural in Sarawak.
“This is our strength. We celebrate together, respect one another and move forward as one big family,” he said.
Lee added that Chinese New Year symbolised renewal, confidence and hope, while Iftar reflected gratitude, patience and togetherness, values which together embodied Sarawak’s inclusive and forward-looking spirit.
Marking the Year of the Horse, he called on Sarawakians to continue moving ahead with confidence, unity and shared purpose in driving the state’s development.
Earlier, Imasa Dinasti founder and chairman Ar. Teo Ah Khing described Miri as a city that has consistently played a pioneering role in Sarawak’s history.
“Miri was first with oil and gas, then education, and now connectivity,” he said, noting that more than 120 years after the first oil discovery, the city was entering another transformative phase.
Through the Kenyalang Smart City Development Initiative and strategic collaboration with Fudan University, he said Miri was transitioning from its industrial roots towards becoming a knowledge-driven, innovation-led urban centre.
“This is about embracing AI healthcare and higher education, and connecting our people not just to the region, but to the world,” Teo said. “This feels like more than progress. It feels like home evolving, with purpose and pride.”
He said that vision was reinforced during a recent visit to Miri by Ouyang Yujing, when the Chinese ambassador toured the former Miri City Council building, now repurposed as an AI Medical Experience Centre and joint research facility.
“Standing in a place so rich in local history, now transformed into a centre for future-focused research, brought everything into sharp focus,” he said. “It was more than a diplomatic visit. It felt like recognition of our direction and validation of Fudan University’s decision to partner with Miri.”
He added that the moment underscored the city’s readiness to play a meaningful role on the global stage.
Among those present were Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism YB Datuk Sebastian Ting, Telang Usan assemblyman YB Dato Dennis Ngau, Miri Divisional Land and Survey superintendent Anthony Aboi, and Deputy Mayor Ariffin Mohamad.
