S’wak explores strategic partnership with Bavaria in AI, energy transition, innovation devt

Strategic dialogue with Bavaria highlights Sarawak focus on artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy transition and innovation-driven development.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 23: Sarawak is exploring strategic collaboration with Germany’s Bavaria state in artificial intelligence (AI), energy transition and innovation development as part of efforts to strengthen the State’s digital economy and sustainable growth agenda.

A Sarawak delegation led by Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel held a technical visit and engagement session with Bavarian State Parliament member Martin Huber in Munich recently to discuss areas of mutual interest and potential cooperation.

According to a statement, discussions focused on AI development, energy transition initiatives, innovation strategies, as well as long term collaboration between Sarawak and the Bavarian government. Both sides also exchanged views on the role of technology, research and innovation in driving sustainable economic growth. Bavaria shared its experience in digital transformation, industrial innovation and clean energy development.

The delegation highlighted Sarawak’s strategic priorities, including its aspiration to become a regional hub for renewable energy, digital transformation and emerging technologies.

The discussions also explored opportunities for knowledge exchange, capacity building, research partnerships and investment cooperation, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening ties in innovation and sustainable development.

Dr Muhammad said Sarawak remains committed to expanding international partnerships that support the State’s development agenda, particularly in sustainability, technological advancement and economic diversification.

Earlier, the delegation held a separate engagement with representatives of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) Think Tank, including Dean of the TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology Prof Urs Gasser and TUM Think Tank managing director Markus Siewert.

The session centred on sovereign AI infrastructure, technological innovation, energy transition and the role of research institutions in supporting sustainable economic growth.

It also provided the delegation with insights into TUM’s approach to fostering collaboration between academia, industry and government in developing innovation driven solutions that could support Sarawak’s economic transformation agenda.

Also accompanying the delegation were Sarawak Multimedia Authority general manager Dato Anderson Tiong, Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) chief executive officer Busiai Seman and Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) chief executive officer Prof Patrick Then. — DayakDaily