Digitization ecosystem will transform Sarawak into a smart city

KUCHING: The commitment and strong cooperation of all stakeholders will make Sarawak a model for smart and sustainable urban development in Malaysia, ultimately improving the quality of life for its people, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian.

He stated that the establishment of the Smart City Committee, led by the Sarawak Economic Planning Unit (EPU) and comprising various relevant agencies and local authorities (PBT), is expected to be materialized through such initiative.

“If you face any difficulties in implementing these initiatives, particularly challenges related to inter-agency cooperation, the Smart City Committee is the right platform to bring up issues and seek solutions.

“This is because the journey to build a smart city requires a concerted effort, commitment, and collaboration among various agencies. If issues cannot be resolved through the committee, it will be escalated to the State Digital Economy Executive Council.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian (centre) with others poses for photograph at Smart City Workshop held at Riverside Majestic Hotel, Kuching.

“However, I believe we will be able to work well together because we are all part of One Team Sarawak,” he said at the Launch of the Sarawak Smart City Workshop here today.

The Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government added that smart cities utilize information and communication technology (ICT) to address issues synonymous with urban areas such as traffic congestion, pollution, and resource management, as well as to strengthen social security and improve public services.

“It is time for the government to take the next step in creating intelligence from the already digitized ecosystem through this approach, which will facilitate the public in interacting with and obtaining services from local authorities.

“By embracing smart city principles, we are not only addressing immediate urban challenges but also setting the stage for a sustainable and prosperous future,” he said.

On the implementation, he stressed it is an important step towards transforming Sarawak into a smart and sustainable state by leveraging technology and innovation to enhance the quality of life.

“The transformation toward a smart city not only helps Sarawak manage resources more efficiently but also attracts investment and creates job opportunities.

He further stated that the state government had streamlined many PBT processes and systems over the past ten years, including digitizing most procedures and processes.

“Therefore, we need to adopt the latest technology and its seven key enablers, which include digital transformation, innovation, education and human capital, basic infrastructure, utilities, transportation, and renewable energy,” he explained.

He mentioned that several key frameworks have been developed to support this initiatives, including Post-Covid Development Strategy 2030, the Sarawak Digital Economy Action Plan 2030, the Kuching Smart City Master Plan, the MS ISO 37122:2019 Smart City Indicators, and the Malaysia Smart City Framework 2018.

The workshop also discussed the importance of collaboration between agencies and PBT, particularly through the Smart City Committee, which has been established and led by EPU, with Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) serving as the secretariat to resolve issues related to the implementation of smart city initiatives among the participating agencies.

Also present were Sarawak EPU director Datuk Lester Matthew, SMA general manager Datuk Dr. Anderson Tiong Ing Heng, Sarawak Public Service Digitalisation Unit director Grace Huong Siew Hung, Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, Sibu Municipal Council Chairman Clarence Ting, and other agency representatives.