Len Talif: AI app to help identify orchid species efficiently for faster conservation efforts

KUCHING (Feb 10): The launch of the Foresight AI app marks a new approach in supporting biodiversity protection in Sarawak, said Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Len Talif Salleh.

He said the initiative leverages artificial intelligence (AI) for more accurate and efficient species identification in the field, particularly of wild orchids, which helps identify orchid species so timely action can be taken to conserve them.

“The application of AI in species identification—starting with wild orchids—addresses a real operational gap on the ground.

“More importantly, its integration with the Sarawak digital ecosystem through Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) and the State Data Centre aligns fully with our aspiration for data-driven policy, inter-operable systems and smart environmental governance,” said Len Talif when speaking at the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) Digital & Green Initiatives held at Wisma Lestari here yesterday.

According to him, the meticulous and forward-looking approach championed by the Sarawak Orchid Society (Sarorso) is closely aligned with the objective of Foresight AI, which is to use data, planning and innovation to anticipate challenges and protect the state’s natural heritage.

“By combining Sarorso’s expertise in preserving delicate orchid species with Foresight AI’s technology-driven insights, SFC can enhance both biodiversity conservation and forest management.

“Together, these initiatives exemplify how tradition, science, and innovation can work hand in hand to safeguard Sarawak’s environment for generations to come,” he said, while expressing gratitude to Sarorso chairwoman Tengku Dr Auvaroza Tengku Abraham for her visionary leadership in orchid conservation.

When met by reporters, he said that to date, some 500 orchid species in Sarawak have been uploaded into the system, while there are about 1,300 orchid species in Borneo.

In a related development, he also shared that the Sarawak Forest Department has launched an app to identify tree species in Sarawak using a wood anatomy approach.

“We will also expand this application in the future to identify other plant and flower species.

“The principle remains the same, which is to encourage active public participation in nature conservation through digital and educational approaches.”

During the event, a new SFC website was launched to strengthen the agency’s digital agenda, as a modern digital interface has become a necessity in contemporary governance.

An e-bike initiative was also launched at the event as part of Sarawak’s low-carbon aspirations, in line with the green energy mission of the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari.

“The e-bikes, given to SFC by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department Sarawak, demonstrate how sustainable mobility can be integrated into operations to reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and reinforce Sarawak’s leadership in the clean energy transition,” he said.

In this regard, Len Talif said the launch of the three initiatives marked an important milestone in driving SFC’s digital and green initiatives.

“Sarawak’s future lies not in choosing between development and conservation, but in integrating both through innovation, coordination and strong institutional leadership.

“I am encouraged to see SFC positioning itself as a catalyst in this journey—bridging policy, technology and on-the-ground impact,” he said.

Also present were Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap, SFC general manager Abang Arabi Aimran and Sarawak Customs director Norizan Yahya.