KUCHING: It is crucial for Sarawak to be prepared in facing cybersecurity attacks to yield the lowest impact possible on its overall system, says Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
In light of this, the Premier said cybersecurity is no longer a technological ‘option’ but a societal need as it is a fast-growing business.
“According to the European Commission Cybersecurity Report, cybercrimes had cost the world a total of 5.76 trillion USD in 2020. This is the largest transfer of economic wealth in history.
“It is not only about data and information protection but includes critical infrastructure, transport system, healthcare, manufacturing, retail and finance, societal aspects and more,” he said at the opening of the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak 2022 (IDECS 2022) at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching today.
He pointed out that disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain and quantum computing will have an impact on the way cybersecurity will need to be achieved.
“However, cyber-attacks will still take place because cybercrime is a business. Therefore, it is crucial to be ready to face them with the lowest impact possible on the overall system,” he asserted.
As new roles arise and job requirements fluctuate, Abang Johari said the scope of the existing talent in skilled workers may not cope with the changing demands due to advancements in technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain; industrial revolution 4.0 (IR4.0), virtual and augmented reality, robotics, cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing and others.
As such, he said the state government and its partners are all addressing the skill needs for the digital economy.
“According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), by 2025, 85 million jobs will be displaced, 95 million new high-tech jobs will be generated and 54 per cent of all employees, that is more than half will have to upgrade their skills significantly due to emerging technologies.
“Our state government, through the Education, Innovation and Talent Development Ministry (MEITD), is also in the process of establishing international schools to further complement STEM education and human capital development in Sarawak,” he said.
