Manufacturers stand to gain from digital transformation, says SOCOE

KUCHING: Sarawak manufacturers are being encouraged to adopt digital technologies to improve productivity and manage rising operating costs.

Technology company SOCOE Sdn Bhd has towards this end showcased its data intelligence, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and digital solutions at the Sarawak Trade Fair 2026.

The three-day event, held from Oct 2-4 at the Ang Cheng Ho Sports and Community Hall, brought together businesses and industry players from Sarawak and beyond.

SOCOE said greater use of data from production, equipment, energy, quality and supply-chain operations could help manufacturers gain better visibility and identify potential problems earlier.

“Our message is simple — we don’t want to leave anyone behind,” it said.

According to the company, AI could complement the existing workforce by helping businesses make better use of their resources, including in areas such as equipment downtime, quality inspection, energy consumption and inventory management.

“We see AI as a way of helping people do more with the resources they already have,” SOCOE said.

Manufacturers could begin with specific operational needs before gradually expanding their digital capabilities based on their readiness and investment capacity.

The company said wider digital adoption could help strengthen productivity and competitiveness as Sarawak’s manufacturing sector becomes increasingly connected to regional and global supply chains.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian was among those who visited SOCOE’s exhibition booth during the trade fair.