KUCHING: The Borneo Blockchain Conference (BBCON) 2026 is expected to support digital development in Borneo by linking industry stakeholders with communities and creating opportunities for young Sarawakians in the blockchain space.
Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) General Manager Datuk Dr Anderson Tiong said the conference will bring together more blockchain industry players and practitioners to share knowledge and showcase products with the local community, particularly for application in digital development across Borneo and the wider region.
“SMA is supporting this event which has demonstrated the growing interest in emerging technologies among the local people and the value of creating platforms that bring together diverse stakeholders within the digital ecosystem,” he said.
He said in his speech read by SMA Digital Economy Implementation and Management Unit head Shia Yang during the BBCON 2026 media conference here Tuesday (June 16).
Meanwhile, BBCON 2026 Scientific Committee chairman from the Kuching Blockchain Technology Association (KBTA) Reuben Yap said hands-on learning from industry practitioners is the most effective way to understand blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI), given the rapid pace at which the technologies evolve.
He described blockchain as a decentralised ledger that is not necessarily controlled by a single authority, with data that is largely immutable, making it suitable for a wide range of applications beyond cryptocurrencies.
Yap said although blockchain is often associated with Bitcoin and other digital currencies, the technology is increasingly being applied in areas such as central bank digital currencies, stablecoins, voting systems and supply chain management.
He added that many of these practical applications have been overshadowed by cryptocurrency-related speculation, despite blockchain’s broader potential across multiple industries.
He said people should look beyond speculation as blockchain has many practical applications today and that the Web3 and blockchain industry also offers rewarding career opportunities.
“All you need is an internet connection and the willingness to learn.
“So I think it’s an excellent opportunity for young Sarawakians to learn more about this, and I would encourage more local builders to develop solutions using blockchain.
“BBCON 2026 therefore provides an excellent opportunity for Sarawak’s youth to gain deeper knowledge of the field,” he said.
BBCON 2026 is expected to attract about 1,500 participants, including 600 international delegates from the industry, community and academic sectors, and is organised by the KBTA in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak, BE Sarawak and Metadise Sdn Bhd.
