Towards a complete industrial ecosystem

KUCHING: Sarawak is strengthening its position in high-value technology industries through 19 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed at the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak 2026 (IDECS26), with emphasis on research commercialisation, investment and industry partnerships.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the agreements should translate into business activities, local enterprise development and sustainable economic opportunities.

“Such commitments give partners a starting point for working together. Their lasting value comes through the research, business activity and opportunities for our people that follow,” he said at the conference’s closing ceremony on Oct 6.

Awang Tengah, who is also Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, said the state was prioritising investments in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing, the emerging space economy and digital talent.

“These industries are interconnected. They require infrastructure, reliable energy, skilled people, research capability and access to markets. Building that ecosystem is how Sarawak can compete not merely for individual projects, but for activities that create longer-term economic value,” he said.

He urged industry players to strengthen local supply chains, support emerging companies and explore opportunities beyond Sarawak.

“There may be a local supplier ready to develop its capabilities, or a young company with a solution that deserves a chance. Giving such businesses an opportunity can help build the depth of our own economy,” he said.

IDECS26, held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) from Oct 5 to 6, attracted estimated footfall exceeding 58,000, compared with 10,000 last year.

The conference featured 128 speakers and 483 exhibitors across five programme tracks addressing technology development, research, financing, infrastructure and market access.

Among its highlights were dedicated semiconductor and space economy programmes, including Sarawak’s target to launch its first CubeSat-based nanosatellite by 2030.

The satellite initiative could support earth observation, environmental monitoring and resource management while strengthening local capabilities in engineering, semiconductor design, AI and data analytics.

Research commercialisation was also highlighted at the inaugural Centre of Excellence for Digital Research Conference 2026, which explored collaboration between universities, government agencies and industry.

The closing Leaders Forum, ‘Sarawak Bankable’, focused on developing commercially viable technology projects capable of attracting financing and investment.

Startup Village, meanwhile, addressed capital access, customer acquisition and regional expansion, while other programmes examined AI applications, smart cities, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure and technology talent.

Awang Tengah said international partnerships should benefit local businesses and professionals by opening access to global markets.

“A borderless economy should not mean that opportunity simply reaches Sarawak. It should also mean that Sarawak’s ideas, businesses and talent can reach the world,” he said.

Hosted by the Sarawak government, IDECS26 was jointly organised by Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and Sarawak Information Systems (SAINS).

Sarawak will host the World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) Global AI Summit 2027 alongside IDECS27, with the arrangement formalised through a baton-passing ceremony at this year’s conference.