AI reshaping how we live, work and do business

SIBU: Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept reserved for the future but a rapidly emerging force already reshaping daily life, workplaces and the business landscape.

Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, said this when speaking at the official opening of the TechUnity Exhibition & Forum 2026 and Sibu Esports Championship 2026 at a prominent hotel here on Saturday (Sept. 26).

Tiang said the two-day event offered an important platform for the community, particularly young people, to engage with technology, innovation and the opportunities emerging from them.

The Pelawan assemblyman said the theme of TechUnity, ‘Living Smarter with AI: Towards a Sustainable Digital Future’, was timely as technological advances continued to accelerate and reshape the way society functioned.

“AI is no longer something we only talk about as the technology of the future. It is already changing the way we live, work and do business,” he said.

Tiang pointed out the key challenge was not merely to adopt new technologies, but to equip the community with the knowledge, confidence and creativity needed to use them meaningfully.

He said this was especially important for the younger generation, who would be among those most directly affected by the transformation of the digital economy.

The event, he noted, had brought together a wide range of activities over the two days, including 30 exhibitors, four forum sessions, AI competitions, business networking programmes and other technology-related activities.

“This is more than just an exhibition. It is a platform for our people to learn, connect, exchange ideas and grow together,” he said.

The event also placed a strong emphasis on esports with the launch of the Sibu Esports Championship 2026, held in conjunction with TechUnity.

Tiang said esports had evolved beyond competitive gaming into a growing ecosystem offering opportunities in technology, content creation, event management, entrepreneurship and other creative industries.

He welcomed the participation of young people, saying the championship provided them with an avenue to showcase their abilities while gaining valuable experience in an increasingly technology-driven environment.

While addressing the participating players and teams, Tiang urged them to approach the competition with passion and integrity while making full use of the experience.

He also commended the organising committee, Kelab Sukan Elektronik District Sibu, for successfully bringing together an event of such scale, saying its organisation required considerable teamwork, commitment and cooperation.

He expressed appreciation to the sponsors, exhibitors, forum speakers, volunteers and supporting organisations for their contributions, as well as Business Events Sarawak, the Sibu Resident Office and the Sibu Divisional Tourism Task Group (DTTG) for their continued support and partnership.

Tiang encouraged participants and visitors to make full use of the two-day programme not only to explore new technologies, but also to build connections, exchange ideas and discover new opportunities.

“Most importantly, I hope everyone will leave this event with new knowledge, new connections and new inspiration,” he said.

As Sibu moves deeper into a technology-driven era, Tiang said the community must continue building an environment that is innovative, connected and ready to adapt to the demands of the future.

Among those present were Sibu Business Events Committee (SBEC) Chairman, Dr Renco Yong; Sibu Resident Office’s Strategic Implementation Monitoring Section Head, Maria Nadja Jimmy.