KUCHING: Sarawak’s aggressive digitalisation agenda is now producing tangible results across key sectors, including education, agriculture, infrastructure development, and the broader state economy.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state’s push into the digital economy has opened new opportunities for Sarawakians, improved access to education, and enhanced the value of Sarawak’s natural and economic resources.
He noted that one of the success stories comes from the education sector, where the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) has implemented the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (SRBN) to bridge the digital divide.
Through SRBN, rural schools now have access to online learning tools that have helped improve academic outcomes.
“We saw improved education results at one of the secondary schools in Long San, namely Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Datuk Temenggong Oyong Lawai Jau, and today their students are pursuing studies at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.
“They greatly appreciate our efforts through the SRBN, which has enabled them to access Khan Academy, especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), proving the success of this initiative,” he said in his speech during SDEC’s 5th anniversary celebration here on Monday.
Abang Johari said digitalisation has greatly aided the state in its infrastructure development, such as the construction of elevated roads to reduce maintenance costs.
He said the Public Works Department has carried out simulations using road or highway information modelling systems through computer simulations to determine the best solutions for road construction in soft-soil areas.
“Therefore, we are building elevated roads, including in Lingga, Kota Samarahan to Sri Aman, as well as in Baram, Miri, Marudi, Mulu, Long Panai, Long San, Long Lama up to Limbang – areas with very soft soil – where elevated road construction will help reduce maintenance costs.
“Although the initial cost is higher, long-term maintenance costs are lower and the road structures are more stable. This is the success achieved through digital simulation for road development,” he said.
Elaborating further, the Premier also highlighted the role of digitalisation in the agriculture sector, which has successfully increased crop yields, placed Sarawak on the world map through the creation of the KETEQ.AI chip, and expanded renewable energy production – boosting the state’s economy.
