By Lakesh Kumar a/l Chandran
Sarawak, known for its cultural diversity and richness, is undergoing a transformative journey to embrace a new era. The state is also on a new dawn, where a fresh perspective of traditional living and survival meets new, modern and high-tech living styles.
Sarawak is moving towards a future driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and electric vehicles (EVs). It symbolises a significant leap toward sustainability and technological innovation.
The local state market is gradually integrating AI into workplaces and daily activities. It showcases the state’s progressive stance. Simultaneously, EVs also familiarise users with emerging facilities in local spaces.
As Sarawak strives to emerge as a developed state within Malaysia, the strategic infusion of AI and EVs becomes crucial to its progressive agenda on the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
Sarawak’s ambitious PCDS 2030 plans a strategy for the state’s transformation into an autonomous and self-sufficient state by 2030. The strategy focuses on vital sectors of the state’s economic landscape, including manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, forestry, mining, and services, which leverages Sarawak’s rich natural resources.
For instance, in the manufacturing industry, there is a consistent effort to embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) by incorporating AI and digital technologies to enhance operational efficiency. However, achieving these goals requires a skilled workforce. Sarawak is proactively investing in comprehensive education and upskilling programmes.
“Since AI is the future, educator infusing AI and technological usage in education is necessary nowadays,” said Chuah Kee Man, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication with expertise in educational technology.
Workshops and the establishment of skill-based academies are examples of initiatives designed to equip workers with the knowledge and expertise necessary to navigate and manage cutting-edge machinery. This commitment to workforce development is not subjected to the manufacturing sector but extends across various industries and creates a culture of continuous learning and adaptability.
Sarawak’s detailed strategy seeks to integrate technological advancements seamlessly with sustainable practices. This correlates with Sarawak’s aspiration to be a prosperous state by the year 2030. It is more about infusing, learning, and adapting to a new technological era.
Moreover, Sarawak is undergoing a comprehensive transformation by incorporating AI into its infrastructure development, extending from remote areas to the capital city, Kuching.
Recognising the crucial role of infrastructure in modernisation, the state is committed to constructing facilities with the necessary capacity for efficiency and steering away from traditional structures that may lack adaptability.
A notable example is Sarawak Energy, which aims to be a sustainable leader in the state. Aligning with the PCDS 2030, Sarawak Energy is undergoing a digital grid transformation by presenting the overhaul of the Batang Ai Hydroelectric plant (HEP). This move is crucial due to the plant’s limitations in supplying electricity to the state. Sarawak Energy establishes a cloud-based structure for enhanced operational efficiency by leveraging AI and EVs.
Additionally, the corporate landscape aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and more companies have started to follow the SDGs to contribute to environmentally friendly societies.
Moreover, the state-owned “Sarawak Pay App” is an application that modernises parking ticket payments and uses AI for vehicle number plate scanning to issue E-parking tickets. This initiative highlights the state’s commitment to leveraging AI to be localised and create an efficient service.
Kuching is at the forefront of this transformation, evolving into a smart city with AI and EV integration, symbolising a transition from its traditional landscape. This incremental process of building infrastructure is aptly termed a “baby step”, underlining the purposeful and gradual nature of Sarawak’s journey towards a technologically advanced and sustainable future.
Furthermore, in Kuching, there is a comprehensive transformation with the infusion of AI and EVs into its transportation systems. This evolution aligns with the state government’s vision to enhance public transportation efficiency and optimise traffic flow. The city’s AI-driven systems, grounded in data and analysis, provide real-time insights and predictive capabilities, offering valuable tools for local authorities and the public.
Notably, the AI-oriented traffic management system, incorporating sensors and traffic cameras, has been pivotal in predicting and alleviating congestion, ensuring a safer and more reliable urban traffic landscape.
Concurrently, the rise of EVs in Kuching complements the AI-driven traffic initiatives, contributing to the eco-friendly goals outlined in the PCDS 2030.
Exemplifying this commitment is the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), which introduced AI-driven electric autonomous rapid transit (ART) vehicles. This groundbreaking project symbolises the state’s readiness for technological advancement and economic development. This transformation extends to introducing the electric scooter BEAM in public universities such as Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).
“It’s easier to go to my classes than walking around on campus,” said Aaron, a Year 3 student from the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication.
Furthermore, BEAM is gaining popularity for its noiseless, emission-free operation and reshaping local commuting habits. The state government’s initiative to establish EV charging spots throughout the city shows its dedication to building a convenient and accessible infrastructure for EV users. As an ongoing process, these endeavours collectively propel Sarawak towards its goal of becoming an AI and EV-oriented city, fostering sustainable and eco-friendly mobility.
The connection between AI and EV is a powerful force shaping Sarawak’s technological landscape and fostering environmental sustainability. With their minimal or zero carbon emissions, EVs directly address concerns related to air quality and climate change; their power sources, including electricity and solar energy, optimise fossil fuel usage.
Complementing this, AI technology plays a crucial role in reducing energy consumption in sectors like manufacturing and transportation, enabling better energy management and facilitating the transition to renewable sources. In the rich ecosystems of Sarawak, AI has also been employed to monitor and protect animal habitats, emphasising the importance of preserving biodiversity.
On an individual level, the adoption of AI and EVs not only creates new industries but also generates job opportunities. This aligns with the PCDS 2030 objectives.
As Sarawak progresses towards a more technologically advanced future, individuals armed with AI knowledge are crucial in driving modernisation efforts. This integrated approach ensures a more interconnected, efficient, and environmentally conscious Sarawak, benefiting the state and its people.
The closing chapter of this feature serves not as an end but as a prologue to the promising future that awaits Sarawak. The balanced collaboration between cutting-edge technology and the rich traditions of the locals provides a glimpse into a new Sarawak, where limitless possibilities abound.
As the city adapts to the digital era, Sarawak is not just shaping its future but also preserving its cultural roots, and the seamless integration of AI and EV reflects the state’s progressive journey, making significant strides toward sustainability and innovation.
With each sunset over its river, Sarawak assures that it is not the end, but rather the continuation of its commitment and a future where sustainability and innovation are forged into a prosperous and dynamic state.
- This article was written by a student from the Strategic Communication Programme at the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication, UNIMAS.
