Premier calls on American Corner Sarawak for AI, digital economy initiatives

KUCHING (Oct 18): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has urged American Corner Sarawak (ACS) to prioritise programmes in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital economy to help the state become a regional leader in those areas.

Emphasising Sarawak’s active role in contributing to the rapidly evolving, technology-driven future, he noted that both AI and digital economy have the potential to revolutionise industries and enhance quality of life while supporting sustainable lifestyles.

“We need to equip our communities with the knowledge and skills to engage with AI — not as a distant concept but as a tool that can improve lives and create opportunities.

“Likewise, the Digital Economy is reshaping the way we do business, and the American Corner Sarawak is ideally positioned to nurture local talent and entrepreneurship, potentially helping Sarawak become a regional leader in this area,” he said.

His text speech was read by Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat at the American Corner Sarawak 20th Anniversary celebration at the Sarawak State Library here today.

Abang Johari added that Sarawak’s strategic priorities should include AI literacy, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, global digital exchanges, and sustainability, in alignment with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (SDG 2030).

He further emphasised that the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 must be a key consideration when planning programmes at ACS to ensure alignment with the state’s long-term vision.

“Programmes that provide new tools and technologies have enabled participants to navigate the rapid development of digital technologies.

“We have seen digital workshops, virtual exchanges, and tech-based initiatives empower our youth and communities with the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world,” he said.

Abang Johari acknowledged the pivotal role ACS has played in Sarawak’s post-pandemic recovery, in line with the Post-Covid Development Strategy 2030, by adapting its programmes to serve as a platform for growth and learning in a drastically changed world.

“The digital landscape we live in today is fast-moving, but with the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 as our guide, we are confident that the American Corner Sarawak will continue to be at the forefront of this wave of innovation,” he noted.

He also highlighted ACS’s alignment with the UN-SDG 2030, which has contributed to building a stronger, more resilient, and globally-minded community in Sarawak.

“These efforts are not just about meeting targets but about ensuring that we are leaving behind a healthy and sustainable planet Earth for future generations,” he said.

The ACS 20th anniversary celebration, held from October 18 to 19, underscores the long-standing partnership between the United States (US) and Sarawak in promoting education, knowledge exchange, and mutual understanding, while laying the foundation for future initiatives.

The key objectives of the anniversary celebration include strengthening bilateral relations, fostering cultural exchange and learning, enhancing educational impact to boost human capital development in Sarawak, and celebrating the milestones of the American Corner in Sarawak.

Also present were Sarawak State Library chairman Datuk Dr Abang Abdul Rauf Abang Zen, the library’s CEO Japri Bujang Masli, and US ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D Kagan.