KUCHING: More than RM7 billion in investment is expected to flow into Tanjung Embang for the development of Sarawak’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) campus, positioning the area as a key hub for emerging technologies, including quantum AI and satellite communications.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the investment followed interest from international investors, including a global entrepreneur who had committed an initial capital of USD1.85 billion (about RM7 billion) for the project.
He said the investor, SoftBank founder, Masayoshi Son, had chosen Sarawak because of its reliable power and water resources, supportive policies and the state’s potential to develop skilled local talent.
“I asked him why he chose Sarawak when he could invest elsewhere in the world. He said that, apart from our power and water supply, he believed Sarawak had good policies, including free education, and that Sarawakians could be trained to become experts in using the tools required,” he said at the 28th Sarawak Skills Convocation Ceremony here today.
He said the investment would be channeled into the AI campus in Tanjung Embang, with the development forming part of Sarawak’s ambition to establish a strong foundation in quantum AI and satellite communications.
He added that the scale of the investment would also create demand for skilled workers, making it necessary for Sarawak to prepare its workforce for emerging industries.
Abang Johari said Sarawak Skills would play a role in developing local talent, with graduates able to pursue further studies at the Sarawak Tun Openg University of Technology (TAHOTECH) which is chaired by Sarawak Skills Chairman, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain.
He said the university would offer aerospace engineering programmes, providing opportunities for Sarawakian students to gain knowledge in areas such as satellite communications and other emerging fields, including quantum AI.
“This is the future of Sarawak, and we need skilled and trained people who can meet the requirements of these programmes and industries,” he said.
He said the state government is also offering 64 science-based programmes to develop the human capital needed to support the transformation of Sarawak’s economy.
In the energy sector, he said Sarawak’s transition towards renewable energy would involve new machinery and processes, requiring the workforce to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to adapt to the emerging technologies of the Fifth Industrial Revolution.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s ambition was to become an economic hub in ASEAN, describing the vision as making the state a “Star of ASEAN”.
He acknowledged that the target is ambitious but said clear goals, coupled with sustained efforts and proper preparation, were essential for Sarawak to advance.
He noted that Sarawak’s revenue had increased from RM6 billion in 2017 to RM15 billion projected for next year, providing the state with greater capacity to invest in its development.
He said the additional resources would also support higher education institutions, including Sarawak Skills, to strengthen their capabilities and establish themselves as leading institutions in the region.
