16-10-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) In a bold move to position itself as a leading digital hub in Southeast Asia, Sarawak has announced two groundbreaking initiatives set to launch in the coming year. Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg revealed the plans at the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS), signalling a new era in the state’s digital transformation journey.
The Sarawak Digital Residency Programme (SDRP), slated to commence in early 2024, aims to attract a diverse array of digital nomads, including professionals, remote workers, foreign entrepreneurs, and investors. This innovative scheme is designed to offer flexible terms, making Sarawak an inclusive and appealing destination for global talent.
“The SDRP represents a significant step forward in our digital agenda,” Premier Abang Johari stated. “We are opening our doors to the world’s brightest minds, inviting them to contribute to and benefit from Sarawak’s burgeoning digital ecosystem.”
As part of the SDRP, the state will launch De Rantau Sarawak, a collaborative effort with the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). This initiative is poised to elevate Malaysia’s standing as a premier destination for digital nomads in the region.
Complementing the SDRP is the Sarawak Technology and Innovation (STI) Sandbox. Developed in partnership with various national and state-level organisations, including the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox and the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), this platform aims to facilitate Sarawak’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.
The STI Sandbox is expected to drive innovation across multiple sectors, with a particular focus on agritech, smart cities, and cultural industries. This aligns with Sarawak’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 and its ambition to become a food security hub.
In a further demonstration of its commitment to cutting-edge technology, the state government announced plans to establish the Sarawak AI Centre. This facility will serve as a focal point for artificial intelligence research and development, fostering a dynamic AI ecosystem within the state.
Key initiatives of the AI Centre will include the application of AI in smart agriculture, healthcare, and energy management. The centre will spearhead projects such as AI-powered data analytics for crop yield optimisation and predictive analytics for early disease detection.
To support these ambitious plans, the state is launching an AI talent development programme and forming a dedicated AI Unit within the civil service. A state-of-the-art AI data centre is also in the pipeline.
Premier Abang Johari emphasised the importance of collaboration in realising these goals. “We are forging partnerships with industry experts, academic institutions, federal authorities, and international bodies to ensure Sarawak’s AI transformation is both meaningful and sustainable,” he said.
