By Ma Chee Seng & Natasha Jee
KUCHING: Digital transformation is the key to higher productivity and increased efficiency, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Premier stressed the urgent need to enhance productivity to remain competitive and create a clean, healthy, and resilient environment that would last for generations.
“Thus, engineers will play a key role to apply digital technologies to maximise the economic value in the global business environment that is dynamic and volatile,” he said.
He was officiating at the ASEAN Australian Engineering Congress (AAEC) 2022 at Tegas Digital Village (TDV) here yesterday (July 12).
Abang Johari said it was necessary to prepare future engineers for an increasingly digital future amidst increasing challenges to build sustainable communities to overcome the impacts of climate change.
“Embracing digital transformation will ensure that engineers can tackle these highly complex global challenges to secure our ideals,” he said.
He urged engineers to innovate while tapping on the success stories of digital and data transformation through the exchange of ideas among practitioners, implementation agencies, academia, and technologists.
“To handle the advanced knowledge on integrating data, artificial intelligence, machines, and communication, our skilled resources must be prepared with the know-how, expertise, and abilities necessary to implement and manage the disruptive digital environment of today,” he said.
Abang Johari added that digital transformation was an important step to achieve economic prosperity, social inclusivity, environmental and energy sustainability outcomes by 2030 which presented tremendous opportunities in the Sarawak digital economy.
“Sarawak has successfully accelerated the state’s economic development since the start of the digital economy in 2018 by transforming the sectors of agriculture, the oil palm industry, e-commerce, finance and fintech, digital government, smart cities, tourism, manufacturing, and services industry.
“Therefore, I hope by 2030, Sarawak will be a developed state with a thriving economy driven by data and innovation where everyone enjoys economic prosperity, social inclusivity and a sustainable environment,” he said.
