Sarawak AI Association will bring together various industry activists

KUCHING, Sept. 21: The aspiration to establish the Sarawak AI Association is increasingly realized through the initiative of a group of drivers from various industry backgrounds who are committed to strengthening understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the state.

The initiative is driven by players from a range of sectors including football academies, fashion designers, film directors, music activists and content creators who see the potential of AI in transforming their careers as well as industries.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Corporate Affairs, Explanation and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol said that the establishment of the association coincides with the need to support Sarawak's digital economic agenda.

According to him, a series of discussions were held with the sponsoring committee to detail the direction and goals of the association.

"The interest in AI spans a wide range of sectors. Among its movers are representatives of the National Football Development Program (NFDP) who want to use AI in sports training and content, fashion designers, film directors to digital content creators.

"When the association is established, this multi-stakeholder engagement will accelerate the understanding and mastery of digital technology and AI in society", he said.

He said that when he inaugurated the AI Media Workshop at TEGAS Digital Village, here today.

Commenting further, Abdullah explained that Sarawak Children's Idea Economic Fund (TEGAS) is ready to provide support to the establishment of the association in order to ensure it becomes an effective platform for empowering local talent.

According to him, the Government of Sarawak cannot act alone in educating society on new technology developments, instead requiring an active role of associations and civil communities.

The establishment of the association is also expected to open up a wider collaborative space between industry experts and Sarawak's youth, thus helping to provide a competitive local workforce in the face of digital economic challenges.-TVS