By Massita Ahmad
SINGAPORE: The sixth International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) and the 27th World Congress on Innovation and Technology (WCIT) are aggressively being promoted by the Sarawak state government.
It is part of its ongoing efforts to build momentum as well as generate interest, participation, and support for the WCIT|IDECS 2023 which will be held for three days starting from Oct 4, 2023 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.
“We have a plan to have the roadshow in Kuala Lumpur. If we have time we will go to Sabah and Brunei,” said co-deputy chairman of WCIT|IDECS 2023 Tan Sri Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghami to Bernama on the sidelines of its first roadshow held here recently.
Engaging Singapore’s government, corporate, and community stakeholders would be essential, according to him, as one of the main markets and a leader in innovation and technology in Southeast Asia. This will allow the region’s inventive tech industry and digital economy to reach their full potential.
“Singapore has seen the large-scale adoption and push towards innovation and technology, amidst the world’s paradigm shift towards a digitalised economy.
“The city-state’s involvement and collaboration are key to building a vibrant ecosystem and driving collective economic growth in the region, and in shaping Southeast Asia as the hub, especially for a digital economy anchored by innovation and technology,” Mohamad Morshidi.
Hosted by the Sarawak state government, WCIT|IDECS 2023 is set to bring together more than 10,000 visionaries, experts, industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from around the world, to explore many dimensions of the digital economy and its transformational effects on sectors, business models, neighbourhoods, and the country.
It will promote stimulating debates and offer a rare chance to examine the most recent trends, investment possibilities, regulatory insights, and success stories that are reshaping Asia’s digital landscape.
Additionally, it aims to promote cross-border cooperation, information sharing, and ideas on important issues including artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, 5G, autonomous systems, diversity & inclusion, smart cities, international ICT policy, and space technology.
The event will feature a comprehensive programme and events comprising conferences, exhibitions, a Smart Cities masterclass, a Startup Village, a Global Leaders Round Table, business matching sessions, and a gala dinner awards night.
The set themes are “Fulfilling the Promise of the Digital Age: Innovation and Technology Driving Economic Prosperity, Social Inclusivity & Environmental Sustainability” and “Advancing Digital Economy for Sustainable Development” respectively.
WCIT|IDECS is expected to showcase a series of esteemed exhibitors, sponsors, and visionary speakers.
The key speakers of the Congress include Futurist and Chief Executive Officer of Tomorrow, Mike Walsh; and Japanese roboticist and professor at Osaka University, Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro.
Others include the Founder of Timeless, Emma Yang; and Founder and CEO of Mogul, Tiffany Pham.
“Sarawak has actively embraced digital transformation to maximise our economic growth and improve the livelihood of our citizens. It is a collective effort between various stakeholders.
“Sarawak is connected to the world via Singapore and west Malaysia as the main gateway. With its strategic location, it is emerging as a very profitable investment hub, progressively shifting from a traditional commodities-based economy to a sustainable technology-based economy,” said Mohamad Morshidi.
By mid-August, Mohammad Murshidi said the state government had received a positive response as attendance reached around 5,000.
WCIT|IDECS 2023 promises to allow Sarawak and the region to accelerate sustainable development and economic prosperity for businesses and communities across the region, aiming to effect a ripple effect in the international arena.
It is to facilitate the international collaboration, knowledge, and insights around key topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, 5G, autonomous systems, diversity & inclusiveness, smart cities, global ICT infrastructure, and space technologies
Leading global organisations such as Huawei, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), TVS, Sarawak Energy Bhd, Digital Nasional Bhd, NEC, and Whale Cloud have signed on as key sponsors.
Meanwhile, Business Events Sarawak, Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) and Maxis Bhd, among others, are supporting WCIT|IDECS 2023 as key partners. – BERNAMA
