KUCHING: By leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, cooperatives can enhance operational efficiency and predict market needs more accurately.
Advisor for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at the Ministry of International Trade, Industry, and Investment (MINTRED), Datuk Seri Mohd Naroden Majais, stated that AI technology can strengthen decision-making capabilities, making them more strategic and forward-looking.
“AI not only helps in managing data more efficiently, but it also opens opportunities for cooperatives to expand their operations through automation, digital marketing, and more in-depth business analysis.
“This digitalisation aligns well with the government’s goal of strengthening the country’s digital economy,” he said.
He said this in his speech during the Jom@Coop: Promoting Cooperative Training and Education 2025 and Bicara Ilmu ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI): Management at Your Fingertips’ programme at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Thursday (February 27).
Mohd Naroden added that through AI, cooperatives can enhance their capabilities in financial management, member data analysis, administrative process automation, and predicting market demands more accurately.
“This technology enables cooperatives to make smarter decisions based on detailed and up-to-date information, ultimately improving operational effectiveness and providing greater benefits to their members,” he added.
He further stated that the state government also provides various incentives and support to cooperatives to boost digital adoption.
“These include digital training, innovation financing, and access to digital platforms.
“These initiatives aim to ensure that cooperatives in Sarawak do not lag behind in the digital era and can enhance their competitiveness in line with the aspirations of the state government,” he added.
Regarding the programme, Mohd Naroden stated that it is being held not only to provide participants with exposure to basic AI concepts but also to demonstrate how this technology can be applied to empower cooperatives.
“I am confident that with the knowledge and skills gained from this programme, cooperatives in our country, especially in Sarawak, will be able to reach greater heights and become catalysts for a more sustainable and inclusive community economy,” he added.
