KUCHING: The establishment of the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) aims to address the growing significance of AI and Big Data in advancing Sarawak’s economic, social, and environmental agenda.
Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi stressed that SAIC plays a crucial role in advising the government on AI development, policies, regulations, and ethics.
“SAIC is tasked with planning, developing, and implementing AI initiatives as well as commercialising AI products and solutions,” he said.
He made these remarks while delivering a keynote address on ‘Transforming Digital Economy: The Role of AI and Big Data’ during the second day of the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2024 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching here, today (Oct 17).
Julaihi added that the centre’s focus areas will include Research and Development (R&D) with an emphasis on fundamental and translational research.
Additionally, the Innovation, Technology Adoption, and Ventures division will focus on the adoption of AI technologies, the commercialisation of AI solutions and products, as well as supporting startups and AI ventures.
“AI Governance will address policies and regulations, ethical AI adoption, safety, security, and trustworthiness, while the AI Knowledge division will focus on building AI capabilities, community outreach, awareness, and providing consultancy services,” he added.
Meanwhile, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, when officiating the event on Wednesday (Oct 16), highlighted that the newly established Sarawak AI Centre will spearhead initiatives integrating AI into the state’s digital infrastructure.
“One of SAIC’s key initiatives is the ‘AI for Smart Agriculture’ programme, which leverages AI-driven data analytics to optimise crop yields and promote sustainability in agriculture,” he said.
Abang Johari added that the centre is also leading healthcare projects such as predictive analysis for early disease detection, as well as enhancing energy efficiency through AI-powered smart grid systems.
As such, the Premier stressed that SAIC is vital in driving innovation and positioning Sarawak as a hub for AI research and development.
