KUCHING: The official launch of the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here marks a significant milestone as Sarawak’s first smart building.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the building is fully equipped with an e-switch system.
“This is like ‘ketek’ (a single click away) only, and I walk the talk. This convention centre is set to become a prominent place for both the state’s administration and business endeavours.
“Furthermore, the building’s pioneering role in introducing a fully digital system will also be adapted in other modern buildings in Sarawak, and this aligns with the state government’s desire to expand the use of technology in all aspects.
“Additionally, is it also in line with the government’s objective in the implementation of the ‘Old Kuching Smart Heritage’ programme, which is to create smart infrastructure through IT and modern technology,” he said.
He said this when launching the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre in Jalan Haji Taha here last night (Aug 5).
Abang Johari added that the centre will also host a station for the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) service.
“This development will transform the Satok area into a modern city, fostering collaborative growth and economic development among the Malay, Chinese, Iban, and other communities,” he said.
Commenting further on the centre, he said it also represents the history of the Malay community.
“The Satok area has long been synonymous with ‘Kampung Melayu’ in the city, where it is active with various commercial and business activities.
“With its architectural heritage design inspired by the Malay community, the Hikmah Exchange building is commemorating the historical presence of the Malay community in the Satok area,” he said.
Meanwhile, Permodalan Satok Berhad (PSB) executive chairman Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain said the nearly RM400 million centre developed by PSB, among others, features two 22-storey office towers and will be the new office for 13 government agencies.
He said these government agencies included the Land and Survey Department Kuching, Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), Sarawak Civil Service Commission, Sarawak Civil Service Digitalisation Unit, Sarawak Transformation and Innovation Unit, Sarawak Protocol, Ceremonies, and Event Management Unit (UPPAN), Immigration and Labour Management Unit, Sarawak Implementation Monitoring Unit (SIMU), Merinyu Electrik Unit (UME), Department of Agriculture Sarawak (DOA), LCDA Holdings Sdn Bhd (LCDA), Sarawak Petchem Sdn Bhd (SPSB), and Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd.
“This centre will also be a place for the community to gather, especially for people in the Satok area, which is synonymous with and akin to the role of the once-established Medan Bina Mara in the Jalan Haji Taha area.
“In addition, it will also be a place to host various activities such as weddings, conventions, meetings, seminars, and other events both locally and internationally, which would benefit the locals and boost the socio-economic environment in the Satok area,” he said.
The Hikmah Exchange Event Centre is developed by PSB with the cooperation of the project stakeholders, namely, Harakah Islamiah Sarawak (HIKMAH), Sarawak Islamic Council (SIC), Faradale Development Sdn Bhd, and LCDA.
The commercial building comprises three main components: the office tower, the convention centre, and the commercial space.
Developed on a 3.65-acre site, the architectural design of the centre, among others, incorporates elements such as the mosque Minaret, sirih (betel) leaves, and veins of betel leaf.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the centre took place on April 7, 2017, which was also officiated by the premier.
