SIBU: Long before digital economy, blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) became buzzwords, a book about a virtual world planted an idea that would eventually shape Sarawak’s digital transformation.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the book introduced him to the concept of a “virtual world”, known at the time as Second Life, and changed the way he viewed the future of technology.
Launched in 2003 by US technology company Linden Lab, Second Life was among the world’s earliest online virtual platforms where users could create digital identities, own virtual property, conduct business and interact through avatars.
It later attracted global attention as governments, universities and multinational companies explored its potential beyond gaming.
“The book explained how there would be another world known as the virtual world, or Second Life. At that time, many young people were already familiar with virtual environments through computer games,” he said.
As he continued reading, Abang Johari said he realised the technology had far-reaching implications that extended well beyond entertainment.
“I discovered that even NASA was already beginning to use similar technologies. That made me realise digital technology would fundamentally change how governments operate, how businesses function and how society develops,” he said.
Those ideas stayed with him after he assumed office as Chief Minister in 2017.
Abang Johari recalled discussing the matter with former State Secretary Tan Sri Mohd Morshidi Abdul Ghani, questioning why Sarawak should not begin preparing itself for the technological shift that was already taking place elsewhere.
“I asked him, ‘Why shouldn’t Sarawak begin preparing for this transformation?’ If the world was changing, Sarawak could not afford to be left behind,” he said.
That conversation eventually led to Sarawak embarking on its digital transformation journey.
To better understand the rapidly evolving digital landscape, Sarawak later invited internationally recognised digital economy expert Don Tapscott to share his expertise at the inaugural International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) in 2017, which has since become the state’s flagship platform for discussions on digital innovation, emerging technologies and the future economy.
Abang Johari said the state wanted to learn from global experts as it charted its own digital roadmap.
He admitted that many people, including senior government officers, were initially sceptical and unfamiliar with concepts such as blockchain, with some questioning whether the technology would ever become relevant.
He said the experience also reinforced the importance of data in policymaking, noting that sound decisions can only be made when governments have reliable information.
“Every policy should be based on accurate information. Without good data, we cannot make good decisions,” he added.
