KOTA SAMARAHAN: The D-Virtual Park, Borneo’s first virtual reality theme park, will help to unlock more young creative talents in Sarawak, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He pointed this out when officiating at the launch of the RM13 million park, which belongs to Serba Dinamik Group Bhd, at Jalan Meranek here on Monday (Oct 12).
“Situated here in Kota Samarahan, which is surrounded by universities, this park can help expose our young talents to virtual reality experiences.
“It will be an educational centre for our students,” he added.
Abang Johari (fourth left) with Abdul Kadier (left) and others experience the Virtual Roller Coaster ride. 
Abang Johari (fourth left) with Abdul Kadier (left), Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim and Freddy Lawan show the thumbs up after experiencing the Virtual Roller Coaster ride.
The chief minister pointed out that advances in gaming technology were able to nurture creative digital skills of youth in the country.
He said virtual reality games had now become more sophisticated.
“Even when you play a game in the city, you have to create a city based on your imagination.
“And from imagination, the virtual city can become a real city.
“Apps developers sometimes have to buy the designs of the virtual cities and this is what virtual reality games are all about.
“It is just a matter of imagination through simulation. And if you study aviation, the pilot nowadays is just handling the simulator and instructions on the screen.”
Abang Johari being briefed about the games in the Green Room by Serba Dinamik Group Berhad senior vice president TS Dr Mohamad Ackiel Mohamad (second right) while Abdul Karim (left), Abdul Kadier (third left) and others look on. 
Abang Johari (left) receiving a souvenir from Sesa president Afiq Fadhli Narawi (second right) while Abdul Kadier (right) looks on.
Abang Johari also said the state government was committed to digital innovations long before the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world.
“Singapore Business Review 2020’s recognition of the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee’s (SDMC) to utilise technology to curb the pandemic is proof of the state government’s commitment to digital transformation.
“We have built about180 communication towers in the state to provide internet service to the people.
“When the Covid-19 came, everybody seemed to know how to do business online.
“Before Covid-19 hit us, we already had the Sarawak Pay mobile payment,” said the chief minister.
Abang Johari with from left Datuk Amar Mohammad Ali Mahmud, Datuk Idris Buang, Datuk Abdul Kadier Sahib, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Rubiah Wang and Datuk Rosey Yunus pose for a photograph while touring the games room at D-Virtual Park Samarahan. 
Abang Johari with (from left) Rosey Abdul Kadier, Abdul Karim and Snowdan wave to the online participants at the opening ceremony pf Borneo’s first VR Park, D-Virtual Park Samarahan.
