Sarawak wants to bypass its role as host of AI infrastructure

KUCHING, 7 Oct: Sarawak wants to overcome its role as a location for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure development by building capacity in the technology to generate higher applications and economic value for people.

Sarawak's Prime Minister, Datuk Tinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said infrastructure development alone is not enough if Sarawak wants to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the digital economy and AI.

"Conventional data center construction is simply not a guarantee of economic value. Our goal must go beyond just hosting infrastructure.

"We want to build capabilities in areas such as edge computing, satellite data processing and AI applications", he said while speaking at the 2nd Borneo Economic Forum on "Shaping the Future of Borneo" here today.

He said AI technology has the potential to be used in various fields including agriculture, maritime surveillance, disaster management, carbon accounting and border interconnection.

He said that the approach would enable digital investments to generate wider benefits, including expertise development and high-value employment opportunities for citizens.

He said Sarawak also needs to continue strengthening digital connectivity, skills and innovation ecosystems to support growth of the digital economy.

"At the same time, we need to strengthen our digital connectivity, skills and innovation ecosystem", he said.

In the meantime, Brother Johari said that development of digital ecosystems should not be concentrated in major urban centers, instead digital capabilities, data and talent should be connected more broadly across Borneo.

He said the move was crucial to creating a more integrated digital ecosystem and supporting innovation, competitiveness and inclusive growth.

He said Sarawak is now moving to the next phase in digital transformation, after achieving progress in digital government, digital payments and connectivity.

"This opportunity has also overtaken Sarawak. Across Borneo, we can explore how our digital capabilities, data and talent can be better connected to create a more integrated digital ecosystem", he said. - TVS