Sarawak is now targeting the development of its own sovereign Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure to strengthen its position as a new digital economy hub in the region, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the aspiration was further reinforced through his official working visits to the United Kingdom and Ireland recently.
He added that the Sarawak delegation visited the K2 Strategic Data Centre Campus in Dublin, Ireland, as well as the Isambard-AI supercomputer in Bristol, United Kingdom, which is the fastest and most powerful AI supercomputer in the country.
“This visit fortified our aspiration to develop sovereign AI computer infrastructure that can serve as the backbone of Sarawak’s digital future,” he said in his winding up speech during the DUN Sitting today (May 20).
Further elaborating, he said Sarawak is also planning to establish the Kuching AI Data Campus in Tanjung Embang as a catalyst for the state’s future AI Grid ecosystem.
He said a 405-hectare site has been identified and will be equipped with dedicated power and water supplies to support data centre operations, AI computing, and digital connectivity nodes.
Abang Johari said that by 2030, more jobs are expected to be augmented by AI, thereby increasing productivity, speeding up decision-making processes, and creating new industries.
He said this development reinforces the urgent need for Sarawak to increase investment in the state’s digital ecosystem.
“Sarawak’s approach to AI advancement is guided by four key pillars — infrastructure, technology, talent, and policy.
“We are developing the Sarawak AI Blueprint and Roadmap towards 2030, exploring sovereign AI infrastructure, building an AI talent pipeline, and ensuring that our policy and regulatory frameworks support innovation responsibly.
“The Sarawak Government is exploring forward-looking innovations such as AI Grid networks and the integration of satellite-enabled capabilities, reflecting a deliberate shift towards more advanced and scalable digital ecosystems,” he explained.
He said Sarawak’s aspiration is to position the state as a key player in the regional digital economy, while becoming a centre that fosters innovation, values talent, and ensures the benefits of the AI revolution are enjoyed by all Sarawakians.
