Sarawak links up with Munich to accelerate AI integration in public services, smart cities

Abdullah Zaidel (fourth right) leading a Sarawak delegation to pay a courtesy call on Fuchs (third right) in Munich, Germany on June 23, 2026. Photo credit: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 24: Sarawak is strengthening its global digital transformation agenda with a strategic partnership with Munich, Germany, focusing on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in public institutions and local government, as well as the development of smart city solutions aimed at enhancing public service efficiency and improving citizens’ well-being.

Leading the Sarawak delegation in a meeting with Munich Deputy Mayor Mona Fuchs was Sarawak Deputy Secretary (Economic Planning and Development), Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel.

According to Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), the meeting on Tuesday (June 23) centred on the use of AI within government systems and the advancement of smart city initiatives designed to improve service delivery and administrative efficiency.

Both sides also exchanged insights and best practices on their respective digitalisation efforts, with Munich sharing its approach to leveraging technology to deliver more efficient, accessible and citizen-centric public services.

According to Fuchs, Munich’s success as a smart city is driven by an innovation ecosystem built on close collaboration between government institutions, industry players, research organisations and local communities.

She stressed that technological progress cannot be achieved in isolation, but requires the collective commitment of all stakeholders who share a common goal of building a progressive, digitally driven city.

She added that Munich’s recognition as Germany’s Best Smart City for three consecutive years reflects its consistent commitment to harnessing technology to strengthen governance and enhance public service delivery.

The Sarawak delegation also shared updates on the State’s digital transformation agenda, including efforts to expand the use of emerging technologies, strengthen digital infrastructure and accelerate AI adoption across key development sectors.

The engagement underscores Sarawak’s commitment to expanding international collaboration in digital transformation, AI development and smart city initiatives, in line with its aspiration to become a high-income, innovation-driven economy by 2030. — DayakDaily