KUALA LUMPUR: The Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) will position Sarawak as a leader in AI technology in Malaysia, enhancing local talent, attracting global experts, and accelerating AI adoption among Sarawakians.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the SAIC will concentrate on AI research, development and commercialisation.
He noted that generative AI, in particular, will foster new and innovative applications across various sectors, enhancing technological capabilities.
“As part of the Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, Sarawak will utilise AI to revolutionise healthcare and agriculture, optimising crop yields and resource management,” he said.
He said this during the Malaysian Board of Technologists’ (MBOT) Experts Network in Technology, Innovation, and Cooperative Event (ENTICE) here, today.
In his keynote address on Sarawak’s technological journey, he asserted that the Sarawak government is committed to cultivating hybrid paddy and AI-driven farming to optimise crop yields and improve resource management.
These initiatives, he said, are designed to boost productivity and income for rural farmers, reduce poverty, and enhance living standards in agricultural communities.
“Through these efforts, we aim for rice self-sufficiency by 2027, ensuring Sarawak can sustainably meet its rice needs while supporting the livelihoods of our farmers.
“With ongoing and forthcoming initiatives to transform Sarawak’s economy, we are set to elevate our income levels to exceed the national average,” he added.
Acknowledging the vital role of data centres in the digital economy, he highlighted Sarawak’s collaboration with the private sector to establish Green Data Centres.
“We are developing a 200MW Green Data Centre Park, laying the groundwork for sustainable digital infrastructure with advanced energy-efficient technologies,” he said.
As such, the Premier reassured that the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint has laid a solid foundation for a prosperous, inclusive, and technologically advanced Sarawak, ensuring continued competitiveness in the global digital economy.
