Sarawak to establish AI centre next year, launch chatbot to translate Bidayuh, Iban languages

Abang Johari (centre) blowing the candles on his birthday cake after getting a surprise visit from his wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre on Aug 8, 2024.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Aug 8: Sarawak is set to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) centre next year, contingent on budget allocation for its management, as part of its ongoing efforts to advance in AI research, development, and commercialisation.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that the Sarawak Cabinet has approved the creation of the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC), which will focus on AI and generative AI technologies.

“I have instructed for a workshop to be organised for civil servants so that they can familiarise themselves with the technologies,” he told reporters after officiating Yayasan Sarawak’s free laptop initiative and the 31st Sarawak Premier Special Award at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre today.

Regarding the budget for the centre, Abang Johari mentioned that it has yet to be determined but will cover centre management and connectivity.

Addressing the event earlier, he revealed that Sarawak will also develop a chatbot with the ability to translate Sarawak’s ethnic languages, such as Bidayuh and Iban, in real-time.

“It is our Sarawakian children who will develop the chatbot, and the AI centre will enhance information through generative AI to enable our children to gain greater knowledge through use of AI.

“That’s why we are introducing the free laptop initiative to empower students to enhance their knowledge by embracing technology,” he added.

Abang Johari emphasised the importance of both parents and students understanding technology and embracing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields to propel Sarawak into a new era.

“In this sophisticated era, any knowledge can be accessed with just ‘ketek saja’ (click only). Knowledge is on your palms and at your fingertips. It is only a matter of wanting to learn.

“We don’t want to be ‘jaguh kampung’ (village champion) but global champions. We want brain power to propel Sarawak globally. So let’s provide the best education and knowledge for our children,” he said, urging all sectors to play their role as knowledge is the key to be lifted out of poverty.

Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Education and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Yayasan Sarawak director Mersal Abang Rosli, Sarawak Education Department director Datu Dr Azhar Ahmad were among those present. — DayakDaily