KUCHING: Sarawak, which leads Malaysia’s digital transformation, has placed ethical AI development and inclusive access at the forefront of its agenda.
Utility and Telecommunications Minister, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, reaffirmed this commitment at the launch of the ‘MCMC Microsoft AI Teach for Sarawak’ programme at CENTEXS Santubong today.
The two-day programme, which trained over 260 participants both on-site and virtually across 15 National Digital Network (NADI) centres and six Digital Innovation Hubs, underscores Sarawak’s ambition to prepare its people, urban and rural alike, for a technology-driven future.
“This initiative is about more than digital skills; it’s about bridging the digital divide, ensuring Sarawakians are not only users of technology, but also creators, innovators and problem solvers.
“We want to ensure that AI development in Sarawak remains safe, ethical and inclusive,” Julaihi said.
The AI Teach programme provides comprehensive training in AI fundamentals, generative AI, ethics and practical applications, equipping participants with future-ready skills.
It forms part of Sarawak’s broader strategy under the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint (SDEB) 2030, which positions the digital economy as a key driver of state growth.
Julaihi emphasised that digital transformation must be accompanied by robust governance frameworks, and highlighted the National AI Governance and Ethics Guidelines (AIGE) as an essential tool for ensuring ethical AI deployment, protecting privacy, security and human rights.
“As we embrace AI and digital technologies, we must remain vigilant against risks like cyber-attacks, misinformation and deepfakes that can destabilise societies.
“AI misuse could even lead to blackmail, using manipulated images or voices,” he said.
Sarawak has consistently shown leadership in digital transformation, participating actively in global forums such as the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
Julaihi cited the example of SMG Semiconductor Sarawak, which showcased locally developed chips at the event, drawing international interest.
“This demonstrates that technological innovation is not just imported, it’s created in Sarawak.
“We are capable of contributing to Malaysia’s digital future on a global stage,” he said.
Furthermore, the state is investing heavily in digital and physical infrastructure, such as telecommunications towers, smart cities, and coastal roads and bridges.
More than 150 NADI centres have been established across Sarawak, providing rural communities with access to ICT training, entrepreneurship programmes and e-learning initiatives.
“These initiatives ensure that rural Sarawakians are not left behind in the digital economy.
“Given the right infrastructure and opportunities, rural communities are as capable as anyone else,” Julaihi added.
Sarawak’s digital agenda also extends to smart governance, with services such as bill payments, licensing and public complaints now accessible online, improving efficiency and transparency.
However, Julaihi acknowledged that cybersecurity threats continue to evolve rapidly, and called for stronger collaboration between government agencies and global cybersecurity networks to stay ahead of hackers and malicious actors.
“Cyber threats move faster than technology itself. We must keep pace, sharing knowledge and solutions globally,” he said.
