Sarawak wants to contribute to ASEAN's digital economy

KUCHING, Oct 5: Sarawak does not want to be just a consumer but an active contributor to ASEAN's digital economy that could potentially reach US$2 trillion by 2030.

Sarawak Prime Minister, Datuk Tinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the potential was driven by the implementation of ASEAN Digital Economic Framework Agreement (DEFA) which opens up more space for data, capital, knowledge and cross-border movement of services.

"With the successful implementation of DEFA, ASEAN's digital economy could reach up to US$2 trillion by 2030", he said while addressing the inaugural Sarawak International Digital Economy Conference (IDECS) 2026 at Borneo Kuching Convention Centre (BCCK), here today.

However, he stressed that Sarawak cannot merely view the growth of the regional market as an opportunity to use products or technologies developed abroad.

On the other hand, Sarawak needs to have its own capabilities, enterprise and knowledge to ensure that the state also enjoys the economic value that will be created.

"For Sarawak, this is not just about access to larger regional markets for products and technologies developed elsewhere.

"It's about how we become part of that growth through the capabilities, enterprise and knowledge we build here", he said.

According to Abang Johari, Sarawak has already had a foundation for participating in the regional economy through its energy system connectivity with West Kalimantan and Sabah, as well as strength development in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, aerospace, food systems and natural resource management.

He said the next challenge is to ensure that ideas, businesses and knowledge developed in Sarawak are able to grow, be connected to foreign markets and scale across borders.

"The challenge is not just for Sarawak to access the larger regional market. The challenge is for Sarawak to contribute to that market", he explained.