Sarawak envisions regional AI powerhouse status via skills, talent developments

KOTA SAMARAHAN (March 31): Sarawak plans to establish itself as a regional artificial intelligence (AI) powerhouse by prioritising the development of the skills sets and young talents.

This was highlighted by Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) chief executive officer Prof Dr Patrick Then at the inaugural ‘Raya Bersama AI’ programme in Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) here today.

According to him, the initiative aligns with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg’s vision of green economy, where Sarawak is set to become a leader in emerging AI technologies.

Adding on, Then said the SAIC was eyeing for the eventual arrival of quantum computing.

“We don’t want to play a catch-up game. We want to be at the frontier of the game – that is No. 1,” he said, also pointing out talent development as as one of the crucial pillars for AI development at the centre.

“We understand that even with funds available to purchase the best GPUs (graphics processing units), computers or servers, if we don’t have a talented young generation, we cannot make full use of the GPU.”

Then stressed the need to have policies, responsible AI, infrastructure, technologies, and most importantly, the mindset.”

He said the SAIC is looking for talents, regardless of age, to join the community to contribute.

“We also provided internships and job opportunities for every right-minded, competent young graduates. If you are very good in primary school, we are looking for you.

“If you are graduating from or undergraduates of universities, we are looking for you as well,” he added.