No 100% data security possible as S’wak looks to EU models to guide digital governance

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

By Amanda L

KUCHING, Apr 29: Sarawak’s data protection framework and artificial intelligence (AI) systems are being continuously strengthened but no technology can guarantee absolute security, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg says.

“There is no such thing as 100 per cent protection. It depends on technology, and technology must keep improving,” he told reporters after attending the International Conference on Data Privacy and Digital Trust held at a hotel here, today.

He said Sarawak is actively developing in-house capabilities in areas such as encryption and data segregation to better safeguard sensitive information. However, he cautioned that cybersecurity remains a constantly shifting field, with emerging technologies capable of both strengthening and undermining existing systems.

“Technology can protect, but there is also technology that can break protection. That is why we must continue upgrading,” he said.

In this regard, Abang Johari noted that system performance and security are increasingly dependent on computing power, particularly central processing units (CPU), where stronger processing capacity allows for more efficient and secure data handling.

He also highlighted the rise of new technologies such as AI Grid and embedded AI systems, which rely heavily on high-performance computing and have begun gaining traction since their emergence around 2025.

According to him, these developments are still at an early stage and will require continuous refinement as global adoption accelerates.

Turning to Sarawak’s digital readiness, the Premier said the State has already established government data centre infrastructure, but must remain adaptive as artificial intelligence applications evolve.

He added that collaboration with researchers and scientists is essential in advancing protection methods, including approaches such as data “insulation”, which ensures information is kept within secure and controlled environments.

At the international level, Abang Johari said Sarawak is studying digital governance models from the European Union, including systems in Italy, Spain and parts of Eastern Europe, as possible references for local adaptation.

“These are among the models we can look at as references as we develop our own system,” he said, adding that global practices must be carefully tailored to suit Sarawak’s specific needs and capacity.

He further stressed that long-term digital resilience will depend not only on infrastructure development, but also on building local expertise through education and training to produce more scientists and technical professionals. — DayakDaily