KUCHING: Sarawak has spent RM3.5 billion over the past five years into digital development, aiming to future-proof its economy through long-term investment.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this amounted to about RM600 million annually, funded entirely from the state’s own revenue.
He said the investment covered various areas, including infrastructure upgrades and ecosystem support, to accelerate Sarawak’s digital transformation.
“We know it is a long-term investment. Ultimately, the benefits will come. Digitalisation means we must digitalise the whole spectrum of our economy,” he said.
The Premier said this when officiating the ‘Jelajah Malaysia Digital’ event at Tegas Digital Village here today.
Citing a recent meeting with top professors at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Abang Johari said Sarawak was praised for its natural capital.
But he stressed that natural capital alone was not enough, and skilled human capital was needed to unlock its full potential.
“They said Sarawak is fortunate to have natural assets – what they call natural capital – which must be preserved and managed well.
“You need trained, capable people to add value to your natural capital. This is where digitalisation comes in,” he added.
Abang Johari shared that the state government has also introduced a venture capital initiative to support viable creative projects developed by local talent.
“If your content or film has market potential, someone can invest through equity, just like any business.
“This will help grow our creative sector and digital industry based on local innovation and Sarawak-grown content,” he said.
