Samsung technology explored for Sarawak sports, education sectors

KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak is exploring potential strategic collaborations with Samsung Malaysia to leverage emerging technologies across key areas, including sports and education, as the state prepares to co-host the 2027 SEA Games.

Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said the technology benchmarking visit to Samsung Malaysia provided an opportunity to explore the company’s latest innovations while identifying potential solutions tailored to Sarawak’s needs.

He said strategic partnerships with technology companies were important to ensure Sarawak kept pace with technological developments and could apply them across various sectors.

“We aim to utilise the latest technology so that we do not fall behind. We are focusing on broader collaborations as strategic partners, which will provide better solutions for our needs,” he told UKAS during the visit here on Wednesday (Sept 30).

Among the areas being explored is the application of technology in sports facility development and management, particularly in preparation for the 2027 SEA Games, which Sarawak will co-host and where it will host the opening ceremony.

Gerald said the collaboration could also extend to education, particularly through Samsung Malaysia’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

One such initiative is the establishment of an ‘AI Classroom’ at SJK Chung Hua Betong, which is currently being renovated and is set to become the first such facility in Sarawak and one of three AI Classrooms in Malaysia.

The Layar assemblyman said the facility would provide rural pupils, particularly those from Year Three onwards, with early exposure to artificial intelligence (AI), technology and new learning methods.

“This provides another opportunity for rural children to learn using the latest methods, technology and so on.

“We hope this can serve as an example and be adopted elsewhere in Sarawak, including at other schools.”

He added that the AI Classroom could provide pupils with a stronger foundation as they prepare for an increasingly technology-driven educational environment.

Gerald also expressed hope that the Betong initiative could serve as a pioneering model before being expanded to other schools across Sarawak.

He expressed appreciation to Samsung Malaysia for its willingness to share expertise and explore avenues for broader cooperation with Sarawak, including through its CSR programmes.