BY JACINTHA JOLENE & ALEXANDRA LORNA
KUCHING: The Sarawak government is ambitious about the state’s digital future, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the state government is committed to accomplishing the goals of its journey towards a digital economy and to enable the necessary digital transformation which is important for the future of the people.
“The decisions we make today will impact the lives of present and future generations, and our planet as a whole.
“I can assure you that we are committed to realising a prosperous and sustainable future which is also inclusive.
“We believe that a digital future is the way forward, and our goal is to be a leading digital economy and society by 2030,” he said.
Abang Johari was officiating at the 27th World Congress on Innovation and Technology 6th International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (WCIT-IDECS 2023) at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, today.
He said the state has achieved significant milestones so far, but more still needs to be done to empower the people and to meet the challenges ahead.
Through successful and strategic partnership between the government, business and society, careful planning and a focus on delivery excellence, he expressed confidence that Sarawak will be a thriving society driven by innovation and technology.
Citing an example, he said he’s proud that Sarawak Energy Berhad continues to power up new lines, and is now Malaysia’s largest renewable energy producer.
“Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) has been in a very successful partnership with leading global ICT provider Huawei Technologies for some time, using their telecommunication appliances in digital connectivity development in the rural areas of Sarawak.
“I believe that we are on the right track, as the World Bank recently acknowledged that Sarawak is now a high-income state with a revenue of RM11.96 billion in 2022,” he added.
On the event, as the host of WCIT-IDECS 2023, he said Sarawak has reaffirmed its commitment to advance Sarawak’s vision to become a digital economy powerhouse for the country and region.
The event is expected to create a positive economic impact of approximately USD145 million (RM660 million) on the Sarawakian tech and start-up ecosystem, through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, as well as sponsorships.
The WCIT-IDECS 2023 brings together more than 10,000 participants, from experts, industry leaders, policy makers from around the world to discuss, exchange knowledge in the world of technology, innovation and digital economy and their impact on trends, technologies and business models.
Themed ‘Fulfilling the Promise of the Digital Age: Innovation and Technology Driving Economic Prosperity, Social Inclusivity and Environmental Sustainability’ and ‘Advancing Digital Economy for Sustainable Development’, the main topics featured are artificial intelligence (AI), smart cities, internet of things (IoT), cyber security, 5G and space technology.
In addition, the event will also feature a comprehensive programme consisting of exhibitions, smart city classes, startup villages, global leaders roundtable conference, and business matching sessions.
