Sarawak strengthens the AI ecosystem

KUCHING, Oct 5: Sarawak wants to reduce dependence on external technology platforms through the development of a sovereign artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem to enable government strategic data to be managed and protected locally.

Sarawak Prime Minister, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Sarawak-based AI infrastructure platform launched last August was a foundation for locally administered AI computing, as well as ensuring that government strategic data management, governance and protection were implemented more securely.

"By bringing data, computing and AI capabilities into a more integrated and locally managed environment, we can reduce dependence on external platforms, while strengthening Sarawak's ability to develop and use AI according to our own priorities", he said.

According to him, the approach is not only related to data security but also involves efforts to turn data into a strategic asset for improving decision-making processes, government service delivery and development planning.

"It's not just about data protection. It's about how we turn data into a strategic asset for better decision making and service delivery", he said.

At the same time, Brother Johari said, Kuching AI Data Campus in Tanjung Embang will be developed with AI computing facilities, special power and water supplies as well as digital connectivity nodes through public-private partnership.

Whereas the AI grid will connect computing resources to Sarawak's renewable energy advantage.