IDECS 2024: 2,000 participants to converge in Kuching for conference on AI, green economy this Oct

KUCHING (Sept 26): Some 2,000 participants including industry experts, policymakers, innovators and academicians around the globe are expected at the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2024, on Oct 16-17.

Returning for its 7th edition with a forward-looking theme ‘AI for Sustainable Development: Navigating the Green and Circular Future’, this year’s IDECS is sponsored by Huawei, Telekom Malaysia, Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), SMD Semiconductor, Sarawak Media Group (SMG) and Grab.

The event will be held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) and inaugurated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Hosted by the Sarawak government, it is jointly organised by SDEC, Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and Sarawak Information Systems (Sains), according to a statement today.

“The upcoming two-day conference will highlight how artificial intelligence (AI) can drive the green and circular economy by extending the life cycle of products.

“Key topics include fostering green technologies, promoting circular supply chains and encouraging collaborative partnerships for sustainable innovation,” it added.

IDECS 2024 deputy chairman and SDEC chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani said the event brings together global leaders, innovators and stakeholders to discuss how AI can drive sustainable development by promoting more environmentally friendly economic models.

“IDECS 2024 aims to provide a platform to explore AI’s potential in building a future economy that minimises waste, restores natural ecosystems and fosters sustainable development.

“By leveraging AI, we seek to encourage collaborative and innovative approaches to a greener and more circular economic model, setting new benchmarks and inspiring action both locally and globally.

“With its abundant natural resources, proactive sustainable development initiatives and highly skilled workforce, Sarawak is uniquely positioned to lead global discussions on sustainability, while its commitment to leveraging advanced technologies reinforces its leadership in promoting a sustainable future,” he said.

Among the keynote speakers are leading biomedical engineer Dr Jordan Nguyen, who will be presenting on ‘The Future of AI in the Green Digital Economy’; fintech innovation leader Scott Bales, on ‘Future Cities and Digital Citizens’; as well as AI technologist and communicator Amanda Johnstone, on ‘The Rise of Women in STEM and Soft Power’.

Meanwhile, IDECS 2024 lead secretariat and SDEC head of Research and Product Development Dr Khairul Hafiz Sharkawi stated that the conference emphasises actionable solutions and partnerships, aiming to translate discussions into real-world applications that benefit both the environment and society.

“By promoting AI-driven strategies aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, the conference seeks to empower communities to spur digital economy, inspire businesses to adopt greener technologies and drive innovations that create jobs, strengthen industries and attract investment in sustainable practices.”