KUCHING: Sarawak and China’s Meishan City moved a step closer to digital and smart city cooperation following the Meishan-Kuching Forum.
The forum, held on Friday at Hilton Hotel Kuching, brought together government agencies, local councils, and industry representatives to discuss regional investment, smart services, and knowledge exchange.
It was organised by the BIMP-EAGA Business Council (ICT Cluster) in collaboration with Karuna (Sarawak) Enterprise Sdn Bhd, a local digital technology firm.
Leading the Meishan delegation was Vice-Mayor Wang Yue, joined by Executive Deputy Director Yao Wendi, Director Zhou Bo, Deputy County Governor Xiang Xuanfeng, and Section Chief Zhu Qing.
The visit reflects Meishan’s interest in building international partnerships in digital development and urban technology.
Sarawak was represented by several key agencies, including the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication, Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS), Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), Invest Sarawak, and Kuching South City Council (MBKS), headed by Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
The event was officiated by Malaysia Country Chair of BIMP-EAGA, Nobel Pang, with opening remarks delivered by Deputy Country Director and Head of the ICT Cluster, Angie Kueh.
A presentation by Invest Sarawak outlined the state’s investment potential and its readiness for digital collaboration with regional and international partners.
Bilateral sessions during the forum covered topics such as regional development in Sarawak and Greater Borneo, smart technology, and linkages between industry and higher education.
Pang said the forum served as a platform for knowledge-sharing, innovation, and the building of long-term partnerships between Meishan and Sarawak.
The event concluded with a networking lunch and a shared commitment to expanding cooperation across the BIMP-EAGA region, with follow-up initiatives expected in digital mapping and smart infrastructure.