BY NATASHA JEE & ALEXANDRA LORNA
KUCHING: Sarawak is taking steps to consolidate its biodiversity data using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance its economic potential and global accessibility.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said he had tasked Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan and the company to study the feasibility of centralising biodiversity-related data.
“First, we must consolidate our data because we are the heart of the world in terms of rainforest and biodiversity.
“Then, we consolidate the data through AI and we share with the world the economic value of biodiversity resources.
“Meaning the whole world can have access to the information and when they download it, it will not be free,” he said.
He said this during Sarawak Multimedia Authority’s (SMA) 2025 Lunar New Year Dinner at a hotel here, last night (Feb 7).
Abang Johari added the state must also register its rights and patents over its biodiversity resources.
On a related note, he said AI applications are rapidly transforming various sectors, particularly medicine.
He shared his experience officiating at the first phase of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s (UNIMAS) teaching hospital, where he saw AI-driven medical devices capable of scanning patients and diagnosing illnesses.
“These devices can scan you like a QR code. AI will analyse your body and suggest if something is wrong.
“It can even prescribe a solution or medication for the illness. Thus, medical devices and solutions are very much contributed by AI,” he said.
Among those present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; State Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin; Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi; Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; SMA Board of Directors member George Chan; SMA general manager Datuk Dr Anderson Tiong, i-CATS University College chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain; and Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching Xing Weiping.
