Solid ties among BIMP-EAGA members crucial in boosting regional digital connectivity

KUCHING (Oct 18): Collaboration among BIMP-EAGA regions to improve digital connectivity is necessary, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

Towards this effort, Sarawak is investing in high-speed Internet, 5G networks, and the Trans Nusantara Regional Fibre Optic Network, connecting Sarawak with Indonesia, said Awang Tengah during the recent Sixth Chief Ministers, Governors, and Local Government Forum (CMLGF) in conjunction with the 27th 27th Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Ministerial Meeting 2024, held in Kota Kinabalu.

“Sarawak also plans to collaborate with Brunei to improve the network connectivity, which serves as a bandwidth hub,” he said.

Awang Tengah also emphasised Sarawak’s progress in digital economy development through the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, aligning with the Asean Smart Cities Network and ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy.

“Sarawak is pursuing Smart City projects in Kuching and Miri, aimed at smart resource management and fostering collaboration with the private sector to drive innovation and economic growth.

“Key initiatives such as the Sarawak Integrated Operation Centre in Kuching and the Miri City Command Centre with smart bus services showcase Sarawak’s significant strides in smart city development.

“These initiatives aim to integrate Sarawak into the Asean Smart Cities Network and support regional carbon neutrality goals,” he added.