Humanoid robots perform alongside traditional dancers during IDECS 2026 held at BCCK on Oct 5, 2026. Photo credit: Ukas

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By Amanda L

KUCHING, Oct 5: The humanoid robots that danced on stage at the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2026 could one day have a very different workplace: Sarawak’s paddy fields.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the robot could play a role in transforming Sarawak’s economy, particularly through the use of technology to strengthen food security.

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Technology meets tradition as a humanoid robot performs alongside a traditional dancer at IDECS 2026 at BCCK on Oct 5, 2026. Photo credit: Ukas

“And this robot will hopefully transform our economy. It’s part of our transformation programme, particularly in food security. And how they will be in our farm planting new paddy,” he said during the ninth IDECS 2026 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.

His remarks reflect Sarawak’s broader push to move agriculture away from labour-intensive practices and towards technology-driven farming, with robotics, automation and digital systems increasingly being explored to improve productivity.

According to him, the use of robotics in paddy cultivation could support efforts to modernise farming practices, improve productivity and reduce reliance on conventional labour-intensive methods as Sarawak works to strengthen its food security.

In 2024, Abang Johari said a paddy cultivation pilot project in Gedong had already incorporated technologies including robots, sensors, aerial imaging and programming to manage water, fertilisers and pesticides, describing the shift as part of Sarawak’s effort to turn farmers into tech-savvy agripreneurs. — DayakDaily