KOTA SAMARAHAN: Cross-border collaboration and digital innovation are becoming increasingly important in addressing regional challenges and shaping Asia’s future digital economy through youth-driven technological solutions.
Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) chief executive officer Sudarnoto Osman said platforms such as Borneo Hackwknd 2026 play a vital role in fostering innovation, digital inclusion and regional cooperation among youths across Asia.
He said the future of digital innovation must be built through collective efforts rather than isolated approaches.
“The future of digital innovation cannot and will not be built in silos.
“The challenges we face today, from sustainability to digital inclusion, are complex and interconnected, and they demand collaborative, cross-border solutions,” he said at the closing ceremony of the Borneo Hackwknd 2026 at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) on Sunday,
Sudarnoto noted that Asia’s diversity in ideas, cultures and experiences represented one of the region’s greatest strengths in driving impactful technological innovation.
He said Borneo Hackwknd had evolved from a grassroots initiative into a recognised regional platform, producing 87 impactful prototypes across 12 editions involving 269 hackers to date.
“These initiatives serve as a pipeline for future tech trends and a catalyst to strengthen the Asian innovation ecosystem.
“It is here that students sharpen their capabilities in AI and ethical innovation to solve real-world challenges, such as empowering rural communities and supporting digital equity,” he added.
He also highlighted SDEC’s commitment to nurturing world-class talent through specialised programmes such as the Digital Village Accelerator (DiVA) and TechFrontier Incubator.
Looking ahead, Sudarnoto invited the academic community to participate in the upcoming International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak 2026, which will focus on semiconductor innovation, artificial intelligence, the emerging space economy and digital talent development.
“Investing in our youth is an investment in Sarawak’s future.
“We want to demonstrate that Sarawakian talent can innovate at a world-class level, ensuring our digital economy remains vibrant and competitive on the global stage,” he said.
