KUCHING: Sarawak Civil Service (SCS) has been urged to strengthen its digital readiness amid rapidly evolving cyber threats driven by artificial intelligence.
SCS Digitalisation Unit (SCSDU) Director, Datuk Grace Huong, said the programme, held from December 1-4, was designed to build a workforce capable of protecting government systems and public data.
“The aim is to build a civil service that is ready, informed and capable of protecting the systems and information that support public confidence,” she said while delivering her speech at the SCS Cyber Security Week 2025, held at the Waterfront Hotel here.
She said the initiative aligns with the Cyber Security Act 2024 and the state’s Cyber Security Policy Framework 2025 to ensure Sarawak moves in step with national expectations.
“With digitalisation expanding across ministries, cyber threats have grown more sophisticated.
“The systems we use to deliver services and store citizen information have become high-value targets.
“Cybersecurity is no longer just human versus human. It is becoming AI versus AI,” she said.
Huong reported significant progress under the SCS Digital Literacy 2025 initiative.
“Nearly 17,500 officers, 93 per cent of the workforce, have completed online modules on AI and cybersecurity.
“Commitment is coming from all levels, from office cleaners and administrators to heads of department,” she said.
Ten agencies that completed the online modules in full received surprise awards approved by the State Secretary.
Over the last three days, online briefings reached 3,336 participants, while 21 officers completed the Cybersecurity Essentials course.
The event also featured the SCSDU Digital Excellence Awards, which recognised agencies demonstrating leadership in digital transformation, data governance, and cybersecurity.
“These awards express our gratitude to top-performing agencies. Without you, we cannot realise this vision alone,” she said.
Representing the State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy State Secretary Datuk Seri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel highlighted the urgency of AI-driven threats, citing a recent global case in which autonomous AI systems carried out cyber espionage.
“This incident shows that autonomous AI-driven cyber operations are already part of the threat landscape,” he said.
He warned that Sarawak’s expanding digital footprint increases exposure.
“The more we digitalise, the more disciplined we must be to protect public information and maintain trust,” he said.
He noted ongoing efforts under the Sarawak 13th Malaysia Plan, including the State Cybersecurity Strategy and Roadmap 2030 and the integration of SarawakPass with MyDigital ID.
“Sarawak’s progress demonstrates that our digital economy is built on security, transparency and trust,” he said.
