KUCHING: Technology alone cannot transform public services without capable people, effective governance and collaboration across organisational boundaries.
Sarawak Information Systems Sdn. Bhd (SAINS) chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said digital government transformation must combine technological innovation with human expertise and cooperation to meet the changing expectations of citizens.
“Citizens today do not simply expect government services to be faster; they expect services that are seamless, accessible, inclusive and responsive to their needs.
“But technology alone is not enough. Digital government transformation requires innovation, effective governance, capable people and, most importantly, collaboration across organisational boundaries,” he said at the inaugural Digital Government Exchange 2026 at a hotel here, today.
Dr Chan said SAINS had organised various events and initiatives covering digital solutions, cybersecurity and more recently, sovereign artificial intelligence infrastructure.
However, he noted that Sarawak had yet to host a conference focusing specifically and exclusively on digital government transformation.
Recognising this gap, he said SAINS drew on its decades of experience supporting public-sector digitalisation to establish a dedicated platform for government and technology stakeholders.
The exchange brings together public-sector innovators, technology leaders, service providers and civil servants to share experiences and explore new approaches to modernising government operations.
He added that the rapidly changing technological landscape made it increasingly important for industry leaders and government stakeholders to share their expertise.
“This is an opportunity for us to learn from one another and share some of the things that we know. In today’s world, where things are changing so fast, there is a need for people to come together and share their knowledge,” he said.
He also encouraged experienced industry leaders to impart their knowledge to younger colleagues and maintain professional connections beyond the conference.
Themed “Accelerating Public Services through Innovation, Technology and Human Collaboration”, the event featured speakers and experts from Malaysia, Singapore and Australia.
Dr Chan expressed hope that insights shared during the conference would help participants strengthen digital government initiatives in their respective organisations and continue collaborating in the future.
