KUCHING: Sarawak must push ahead in new digital and data science research areas so that the state is on par with developed countries.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said these research areas included artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, among others.
“To leapfrog our research and development (R&D) capabilities, the state government has established a Centre of Excellence for Digital Economy in partnership with all universities in Sarawak, leading global universities like the National University of Singapore, and leading global technology companies – IBM, Eon Reality, Honeywell, Huawei, GE, Keysight, and others,” he said, adding that the centre was launched in August this year.
He said that this model would enable the state’s researchers to collaborate with leading researchers around the world and access industry-grade R&D platforms and tools to solve complex problems and commercialise its research outcomes.
He was officiating at an International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2020 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here on Wednesday.
“The Centre’s research ecosystem includes university-based research laboratories focusing in Big Data and data analytics, 5G, immersive technologies, cybersecurity, software, IoT, and so on,” he said.
Abang Johari added there was also an industry-focused open lab to commercialise research outcomes and sector-focused testbeds to showcase technology, solutions, platform for research, training, industry, and workforce transformation.
“The open lab is established as one of the key facilities to produce high impact translational research in the digital economy.
“With access to industry-grade tools and technologies, researchers and start-ups are able to enhance their research outputs and accelerate commercialisation of research outcomes through start-ups and partner companies,” he said.
He pointed out that in August this year, he had launched the 5G testbed, the first in Sarawak which would be used to develop and showcase 5G use cases in smart city, manufacturing, healthcare, education, tourism, and entertainment.
