Sarawak aims for RM282 billion GDP by 2030, says Abang Jo

As part of Sarawak’s long-term digital transformation strategy, the state government is developing the Kuching AI Data Campus on a 405 hectare site in Tanjung Embang, he said in a Gawai Day message, the Borneo Post reported.

“The campus will serve as a catalyst for developing a regional AI Grid, strengthening Sarawak’s digital ecosystem while attracting high quality global investments,” he was quoted as saying.

Sarawak is also developing Southeast Asia’s first semiconductor-grade polysilicon plant in Bintulu, he said.

Abang Johari said the state government aims to raise Sarawak’s gross domestic product to RM282 billion by 2030 under the 13th Malaysia Plan.

He said the era of Sarawak’s development based on extracting limited natural resources was over. The state would instead build a new economy based on knowledge, innovation and human capital.
Sarawak must now move towards an economy driven by ‘brain power’ or intellectual power, with big investments in Sarawak’s children.

So far almost 4,700 students have received free tertiary education under a Sarawak education scheme, and the number is expected to reach 10,000 by the end of the year, he said.

In line with this aim, Yayasan Sarawak had introduced a four-year sponsored PhD programme in collaboration with the University of Bristol, United Kingdom.

Earlier this month, Abang Johari had spoken of Sarawak’s plans to develop CubeSat-based nano-satellite technology by which Sarawak would obtain earth imagery, geolocation data, and strategic information.