Own technology on our terms

Sarawak seeks greater independence through homegrown innovation and digital expertise

KUCHING: Sarawak aims to become a technology developer rather than merely an adopter by strengthening its digital infrastructure, talent and cybersecurity capabilities.

Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) chief executive officer Dr Patrick Then said the state must reduce its dependence on imported technologies and develop its own solutions.

“Sarawak’s stand here is very clear. We are not merely an adopter, because we don’t want to forever buy finished technologies from someone,” he said.

He said this at a session on the quantum AI frontier during the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

Then said the convergence of quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) could improve energy optimisation, drug discovery, advanced material design and climate modelling.

However, he warned of emerging cybersecurity risks, particularly the “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” threat, where encrypted data collected today could be decrypted by future quantum computers.

He said sensitive health, financial, land and energy records required long-term protection against such threats.

Then urged Sarawak to prioritise quantum-ready infrastructure, post-quantum cryptography, specialised talent and secure governance.

He also called for collaboration among government agencies, businesses and research institutions to establish a common quantum-readiness roadmap.

He said Sarawak aimed to become a regional producer of secure and resilient AI solutions by 2030.

“The frontier will not wait for us, so we must be ready to lead it,” he said.