Premier: AI Data Campus in Tanjung Embang to anchor Sarawak’s AI Grid, attract investment

Abang Johari speaking at the 9th International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Oct 5, 2026. Photo credit: UKAS

By Christine T

KUCHING, Oct 5: Sarawak’s planned Kuching Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Campus in Tanjung Embang will serve as the physical foundation for the State’s planned AI Grid, strengthening its computing capacity for AI development and deployment.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the campus will provide the physical foundation for the development of an AI Grid, while creating a platform to attract investment, strengthen our data-centre ecosystem and support the growth of AI-related businesses and capabilities in Sarawak.

“Alongside this, the AI Grid is being developed to connect computing resources and make use of Sarawak’s renewable energy capacity.

“Taken together, these initiatives represent progression from strategy to infrastructure, and from infrastructure to application.

“Their significance lies in our ability to apply AI responsibly to Sarawak’s priorities,” he said when opening the ninth International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS26) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.

The campus, he said, would be supported by dedicated power and water infrastructure, AI computing facilities and digital connectivity nodes, and developed through a public-private partnership approach.

Additionally, Abang Johari said Sarawak’s AI development would be supported by collaboration between researchers, companies and investors, allowing technologies to be tested, commercialised and brought to markets beyond Sarawak.

“For Sarawak, this means creating an environment where a researcher can develop an idea, where a company can test and commercialise it, where investors can support its growth, and where the resulting product or service can find markets beyond Sarawak,” he said.

He said the development was part of Sarawak’s broader effort to build capacity in higher-value technology sectors and strengthen its digital economy.

“Ultimately, all these capabilities must translate into value in the real economy, addressing challenges we face, strengthening our industries and creating opportunities for our people,” he said. — DayakDaily