AI For Makers: Borneo Makers Festival 2026
KUCHING: Feedback gathered from participants at the AI For Makers: Borneo Makers Festival 2026 will be reported back to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for improvements.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol said this feedback would be passed on to the Premier as part of continuing efforts to support young people pursuing digital and AI-related interests.
“The laptops currently provided to students were not powerful enough for AI applications,” he said, noting that laptops capable of handling AI work could cost between RM9,000 and RM15,000.
“Participants also raised the cost of software subscriptions needed for AI and creative work, some priced in US dollars and costing about US$25 a year per application, with some users needing two or three such subscriptions,” he said at the festival’s closing ceremony at TEGAS Digital Village today.
He also referred to plans discussed by the Premier to upgrade digital lab facilities in primary and secondary schools, and said attention was needed for schools in rural areas to ensure students there had equal access to equipment such as laptops.
Abdullah said the level of interest and creativity shown by participants, including those from rural backgrounds, reinforced the need to nurture such interest from the primary school level.
