KUCHING: Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) sees artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative capability that can optimise governance, personalise citizen services, enhance productivity, and drive sustainable development.
Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) Bhd’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Datuk Sudarnoto Osman, said that while the transformative capabilities of AI are undeniable, the challenge lies in whether organisations and communities are ready to harness it responsibly.
“Progress without prudence can lead to unintended consequences. Therefore, it is critical for every stakeholder to emphasise the need for rigorous oversight, ethical frameworks, and universal cooperation as we continue to develop AI systems that will shape the future of humanity.
“We believe that integrating AI into our action plan holds immense potential to bridge existing gaps and deliver smarter, more effective solutions tailored to the needs of our people.
“AI must serve a higher purpose, where it should be grounded in sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience. It must help us grow together, protect what matters most, and uplift every layer of society,” he said.
He said this in his keynote address titled ‘The Role of AI in Shaping Sarawak’s Digital Transformation and Innovation’ during IBM IndustryAI Event 2025 held at a hotel here today.
Guided by the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, he said SDEC has laid strong foundations to accelerate digital transformation across sectors.
Sudarnoto said that SDEC’s initiatives include installing more than 600 rural telecommunication towers to extend broadband internet access to the rural and remote communities that have long been deprived of connectivity.
“It means creating a pipeline of high-potential startups through our Digital Village Accelerator flagship programme and SDEC Technology Accelerator programme, fast tracking deep-tech innovation to market-ready solutions.
“It also means introducing AI-powered pilots in agriculture, 5G and smart city testbed, as well as digitising SMEs with AI-driven resources to innovate, scale and compete in the global marketplace,” he said.
He added that at the grassroots level, SDEC plays a key role in building capabilities and imparting knowledge via our network of eight Digital Innovation Hubs across Sarawak.
“Through strong partnerships, we leverage our collaborators’ expertise and assets to collectively deliver subsidised and sector-specific AI tools, hands-on training workshops, professional certification programmes, and infrastructure support,” he said.
