KUCHING: Sarawak continues to reinforce its position as a regional leader in digital development with the successful staging of the programme ‘Sarawak’s Global Leap: Innovation Driving Inclusive Growth in Emerging Economies’, organised by Angkatan Zaman Mansang (AZAM) Sarawak in collaboration with the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and the United States Embassy in Kuala Lumpur today.
Held in The Round Tower Kuching, the event brought together a diverse mix of stakeholders including youths, entrepreneurs, community leaders, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and government representatives to examine the strategic role of innovation in driving inclusive economic growth across emerging economies.
The keynote address was delivered by Bronwyn Morgan, founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Xeo Air, an AI-driven drone services company based in St Louis, Missouri, and Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Morgan shared valuable insights on how artificial intelligence (AI), drone technology, and innovative entrepreneurship can empower communities and strengthen inclusive development models.
In line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, the programme highlighted that digital innovation is not merely a technological tool but a strategic asset to accelerate Sarawak’s economic transformation.
AZAM Sarawak’s CEO, Ali Suhaili, emphasised that international collaboration has long been central to the organisation’s strength.
“For four decades, AZAM has made international networking part of our DNA. We believe that cross-border partnerships, such as this collaboration with the US Embassy, are key to elevating Sarawak to the next level.
“They not only strengthen our local innovation ecosystem but also connect our communities with the global wave of inclusive and sustainable development,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of SEDC Sarawak’s General Manager, Datuk Abdul Hadi Datuk Abdul Kadir, SEDC Group Corporate Communications Head, Nur Khairanie Nasya Jasni, reaffirmed SEDC’s commitment to driving growth through strategic investments, expanding entrepreneurial opportunities, empowering youth and women, and spearheading digital transformation.
“This programme is highly relevant as it aligns with SEDC’s mandate to position innovation as a key driver of new economic growth, provide opportunities for young people to build capacity and expertise, particularly in entrepreneurship, and boost local economic development through global networks that place Sarawak’s economy on the world map.
“Our role as the main sponsor is not only financial but also a manifestation of our long-term commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sarawak,” she said.
The programme inspired participants to adopt an innovative mindset and highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration among government, private industry, communities and international partners.
