SEREMBU Assemblyman Miro Simuh has highlighted the urgent need to strengthen Sarawak’s economy amid mounting global economic uncertainties.
He noted many challenges ahead, such as geopolitical conflicts, fast technology changes, climate change, and global trade wars, all of which could affect Sarawak’s economic growth soon.
Miro made these remarks during a debate supporting the motion of appreciation for the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s speech in the august House today.
Highlighting Sarawak’s vision to become the “Battery of Asia” by 2035, Miro said this ambitious goal will not only strengthen the state’s energy resilience but also firmly position it within the regional and global economic landscape.
He also highlighted the government’s plan to modernise agriculture, with the goal of producing enough rice, vegetables, and fruits locally, while also increasing meat production from livestock, which is growing well.
Turning to the digital economy, the assemblyman noted that digitalisation is a key driver of economic transformation in Sarawak.
Living in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0), where digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are essential for growth, he stressed how these advancements are reshaping sectors from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and agriculture to tourism and government services.
Miro cited significant investments by global technology giants as benchmarks for Sarawak’s digital ambitions.
“For instance, Google’s USD2 billion investment in data centres and cloud services is expected to contribute over USD3 billion to Malaysia’s GDP and create 26,500 jobs by 2030.
“Meanwhile, Microsoft’s USD 2.2 billion investment in cloud infrastructure and AI includes plans for a National AI centre and the training of 300,000 Malaysians.
Additionally, India-based Eros Investment intends to invest USD1 billion to develop an AI Park and AI University in Malaysia,” he said.
“These substantial investments highlight the transformative potential of AI technology for economies,” Miro stated.
He expressed full support for the Sarawak Government’s initiative to establish the Sarawak AI Centre, which aims to lead AI technology and digital infrastructure integration in the state and the wider region.
This centre is expected to become the primary reference point for fostering community interest and capacity in digital technology and AI, reinforcing Sarawak’s trajectory as a regional hub for AI and the digital economy.
Miro urged continuous collaboration among all stakeholders to realise Sarawak’s economic ambitions in the face of evolving global challenges.
