KUCHING: Big data will play a vital role in environmental and energy sustainability to protect the environment and natural resources as well as to assess environmental risks.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stated that the economic transition to equitable, net-zero emission and sustainable future is one of the most pressing and greatest responsibilities faced by the society.
As such, he said evidence-based insights, high quality data and advanced analytics are most sought after to support strategies when linking sustainability and performance.
“Data is an increasingly valuable resource dubbed as the new oil, in fact a renewable resource that can provide economic value and drive environmental and energy sustainably.
“For example, Aqueduct which is a water-risk mapping tool was designed to monitor and calculate water risks around the world – this relies on big data such as water quantity, quality, and other changing regulatory issues.
“Big data will enable environmental sustainability and security by giving the world the opportunity to better understand its demand for energy, food and water,” he said in his keynote address during the Borneo International Water and Wastewater Exhibition and Conference (BIWWEC) 2022 at Imperial Hotel on Today (Oct 18).
The Premier said among the many benefits of big data for sustainability was its function in the enforcement of regulatory practices around the world in keeping track of their emissions, reaching renewable energy goals as they raise standards of sustainability in all sectors.
Citing an example of how it takes 2,000 litres of water to produce the food necessary to feed one person for a single day, he said the application of big data for agricultural was critical given the average rate of resource consumption and growing scarcity.
He reiterated that big data was indispensable in managing the environmental and energy sustainability, challenges and issues.
“Sustainable water management by integrating digital solution is an ideal strategy for maintaining future water resources that include increasing water supply and managing the way we use freshwater to sustain economic growth for current and future generations.
“With increasing complexity in water systems and management, there is growing potential and need to adopt transformative digital solutions.
“Digital technologies offer unlimited potential to transform water systems, helping utilities to become more resilient, innovative and efficient.
“This in turn helps to build a stronger and more economically viable foundation for the future,” he said.
In view of that, Abang Johari said digital technologies and innovations were at the forefront of solving water quantity and quality challenges.
“Solutions such as artificial intelligence and blockchain are helping to vastly improve the understanding of surface and groundwater supplies, how infrastructure is managed and how communication with customers and consumers on water quantity and quality is managed.
“Bearing the theme of ‘Sustainability and Resilience through Smart Technology and Innovation, I am sure the BIWWEC 2022 will achieve the aim to work on active solution and synergistic efforts to overcome challenges of water and wastewater needs in Borneo and eventually benefit everyone from many fruitful and enriching discussions,” he added.
