By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, June 13: Sarawak is no longer a trend follower, instead, it is now the trend setter.
Asserting this, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak has carved its way into being the renowned leader in digitalisation and very much recognised by other states in Malaysia.
“So much so that the other states have emulated our Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy 2018 – 2022 as a reference point in developing their own digitalisation strategy and this is something that Sarawakians can be proud of,” Abang Johari said at the IR4.0 Prototyping Lab Partnership launching ceremony today.
He was represented by Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Julaihi Narawi who read out his speech at the event.
When Abang Johari initiated Sarawak’s digital economy agenda in championing digital transformation, it was done with a bold vision to drive the State towards high income status and becoming developed by 2030.
“With the establishment of the IR4.0 Prototyping Lab in parallel with the affirmation of solid partnerships between Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and its ecosystem partners, this is a testament to the realization of the State’s Digital Economy strategy.
“Through this, our local industries now have a central facility providing end-to-end IR4.0 adoption, which supports leapfrogging their businesses towards IR4.0 readiness. This will make them more competitive globally and subsequently attracting foreign investment,” Abang Johari said.
Since this is Sarawak’s first IR4.0 facility, Abang Johari hoped that such initiative will spur to fully adopt the fourth Industrial Revolution.
In addition, he said the Lab also serves the industry in Sarawak by providing technology, experts and local capacity development programs to nurture a comprehensive Industry 4.0 ecosystem.
He asserts, the state would want to make sure that it is equipped with the right capabilities and tools to ensure the industry is supported well in the progression to digital transformation.
The event also witnessed the exchange of MoUs between SDEC and the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) and also three local technology companies namely Akar Indah Engineering Sdn. Bhd., TechCapital Resources Sdn. Bhd (T-Robot) and 3D Gens Sdn. Bhd).
“This strategic alignment with MTDC is a promising sign of a solid and robust Sarawak Digital and Innovation Ecosystem.
“I also hope that these local companies will be able to mentor our Sarawakian startups to grow their portfolio up to the commercialisation stage.
“Within the Sarawak Digital Innovation ecosystem, the Digital Village Accelerator
(DiVA) Program is Sarawak’s flagship accelerator program to scale up our tech
startups via a 6-month mentorship program and a grant of RM150,000 for each Startup,” Abang Johari added.
Not forgetting the research community, the event also witnessed the exchange of the Memorandum of Agreement between SDEC and its university partners.
SDEC is also leading the way with the inception of the 5G and Internet of Things (IoT) Testbeds at its Centre of Excellence (CoE).
Abang Johari said these are platforms for people from diverse backgrounds such as startups, entrepreneurs, university researchers and industry to find solutions to real-world problems.- DayakDaily
