Premier: SAIC to be platform for Sarawak to reap benefits of AI

KUCHING (July 30): The newly-approved Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) will be an important platform for Sarawak to reap the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the SAIC was approved by the state cabinet for Sarawak to focus on AI research, development, and commercialisation.

“SAIC will boost local talent, attract global experts, and position Sarawak as a leader in AI technology in Malaysia, expediting AI adoption among Sarawakians.

“Generative AI, in particular, will drive new and innovative applications across various sectors, enhancing our technological capabilities,” he said in his keynote address at the MBOT Entice 2024, organised by the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) in Putrajaya today.

As part of the Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, he said Sarawak is using AI to revolutionise healthcare and agriculture besides optimising crop yields and resource management.

Recognising the crucial role of data centres in the Digital Economy, he said Sarawak is also partnering with the private sector to establish Green Data Centres.

“We are developing a 200 megawatt (MW) Green Data Centre Park, setting the stage for our sustainable digital infrastructure with advanced energy-efficient technologies,” he added.

On a related matter, he said Sarawak is committed to empowering technologists and technicians.

He said that during the MBOT Borneo Symposium last year, he had set a goal for Sarawak to register 10,000 Technologists and Technicians by 2025.

“As of June 2024, Sarawak has registered 6,555. I encourage those not yet registered to do so and join us to help build a stronger nation,” he said.

During the event, the Abang Johari was awarded the 2024 Technology Leadership Award, a momentous achievement which he described as a shared success with Sarawakians as a whole.

Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department Datuk Abdullah Saidol, and Chief Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.