Three global AI platforms coming to Sarawak

KUCHING: Sarawak will host three global artificial intelligence (AI) platforms next year during the World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) Global AI Summit 2027.

The summit will be held alongside the 10th edition of the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS).

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the summit will bring together leaders from the technology industry, government and innovation ecosystems while connecting Sarawak’s emerging AI ecosystem with international partners.

“The second WITSA Summit builds Sarawak’s partnership with WITSA through its Global AI Ecosystem Network, connecting our emerging AI ecosystem with international partners in technology, investment, research and policy.

“It will also bring international platforms to Sarawak, including the WITSA Global AI Awards, the second WITSA World Cup for the Zohari Challenge Trophy and the unveiling of the second WITSA Global AI Index.

“The Index will provide governments and industry with an updated, evidence-based view of AI ecosystem development across infrastructure, talent, entrepreneurship, use cases, data, policy and investment worldwide,” he said.

He said this when officiating at the 9th International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today (Oct 5).

Abang Johari said IDECS has evolved from discussions on digital transformation into a platform addressing economic competitiveness, strategic technologies and opportunities beyond Earth.

Since its inception, he said the conference has connected government, industry, universities, researchers, entrepreneurs and international partners while helping Sarawak respond to technological change.

This year’s edition focuses on four areas — AI, semiconductor innovation, digital talent development and the emerging space economy.

He said developments in these areas are increasingly interconnected, with advances in one creating opportunities in another.

“IDECS provides a space for these connections to develop into partnerships, ideas and opportunities that can contribute to Sarawak’s economic transformation.

“We welcome partners prepared to work with us over the long term, strengthen local capabilities and connect what is being developed here with opportunities across Malaysia, ASEAN and beyond,” he said.