AI programme out to prepare youths for digital economy

KUCHING (Dec 10): More than 75 participants comprising Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) members and Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) students took part in the Southern Zone 1 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy Programme, organised by the Saberkas Science, Technology and Innovation Sub-Committee in collaboration with the Saberkas Batu Kawah branch.

In its report, Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) said the closing ceremony was officiated by chief academic officer for aerospace, digital and green energy Dr Dayang Hanani Abang Ibrahim, who represented Minister of Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who is also Saberkas president.

Throughout the programme, participants attended three technical sharing-sessions conducted by i-CATS Sarawak, Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas), and Centexs, in addition to a visit to the Centexs AI TestBed, which showcased applications of hydrogen technology and smart agriculture powered by AI.

In her speech, Dayang Hanani emphasised AI as having become a major catalyst for the state’s development in line with the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy, highlighting the importance of cultivating AI awareness among youths to ensure that they would remain competitive in the fast-growing digital economy.

“Additionally, Sarawak has recorded significant achievements in innovation through the development of the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC), the local language AI model DeepSAR, the KETEQ AI power device, as well as the launch of the Tap & Go Smart Store – the first ‘cashierless’ store in Malaysia.”

Nonetheless, Dayang Hanani also reminded all that the ethical use of AI must be prioritised.

“This technology is merely a tool, as human creativity and wisdom remain the foundation of progress,” she said in her speech.