KUCHING, Dec 4: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg hopes the state’s digital future will inspire many capable Sarawakians based overseas to return home to contribute towards the development of the state.
He said the key to leapfrogging into the fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) is to have good connectivity and IT infrastructure in order to achieve the goal of becoming a developed state by the year 2030.
“We are working hard towards improving this basic foundation, to create an environment where technology and innovation can flourish.
“I hope that the steps we are taking will stimulate our economic growth and spur our youth to adopt and embrace Industry 4.0,” said Abang Johari, whose speech was read out by Assistant Minister of E-Commerce Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais, at the launching of Industrial Revolution 4.0 initiatives by the Human Resources Development Fund today.
Urging all to meet the changes and challenges of the new era, he said that the industries needed to take advantage of emerging technologies such as big data and analytics to enable their move towards Industry 4.0.
He also announced that the state government is committed to facilitating the migration to Industry 4.0 for a number of the companies in Sama Jaya High Tech Park in Kuching.
“With our relatively small population, vast landmass and abundant natural resources, industrialisation is the way forward. We cannot continue to rely on the low cost, low tech and labour intensive strategy to drive our economic growth, Sarawak needs to attract more high values and high tech industries.
“The Fourth Industrial Revolution — also known as Industry 4.0 and uses cyber physical systems such as machines and robotics controlled by automation systems with minimal input from human operators — may be a buzzword that you may have heard in the media for the better part of this year.
He said it’s a challenge to make the shift to Industry 4.0 but Sarawakians have to respond positively to change or they will be left behind, adding that SMEs and youth in particularly must be involved.
Due to the urgent need for Sarawak to boost its adoption of digitalisation, the state government has introduced and embarked on several initiatives, which includes setting aside RM1 billion of state funds to upgrade the state’s ICT infrastructure, setting up of a Digital Village at Sama Jaya and and Sarikei Innovation Centre, the recent introduction of Sarawak Pay and the upcoming Agro Park in Sarikei to encourage modern agriculture practices. — DayakDaily
