By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Aug 24: As Sarawak continues its aggressive push towards digital transformation, another conference to showcase the power of satellite technology will be held here next month.
Organised by Borneo Centralised Monitoring Centre (BCMC), the Acceleration and Innovation Through Satellite Applications Sarawak 2019 (AISAS 2019) Conference and Exhibition has been scheduled on Sept 23-24 at Pullman Hotel here.
It is in line with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s vision to leapfrog Sarawak into the digital economy and be at the forefront of the digital world.
BCMC director Richard Song said the event is of high value and relevance for Sarawak, which has set a five-year roadmap towards developing a sustainable digital ecosystem in the state.
“Satellite technology and its applications therefore can play an important role in accelerating the process and enabling all the key sectors identified by Sarawak government. It will be an interesting and rare conference as it offers delegates a rare chance to explore the possibilities and vast opportunities brought by space technology,” he told a press conference today.
At least eight international experts and scientists from the United Kingdom, United States of America, Singapore and Malaysia in the field of satellite technology will speak on various topics relating to satellite operations.
Song highlighted that speakers in satellite applications, the World Bank and scientists in related field will help decision makers and players in the various economic sectors as well as business leaders and entrepreneurs including techpreneurs have better insights of what this powerful technology has to offer.
“This is in line with Sarawak government’s digital transformation where it aims to boost digital economy with a targeted 17.4 per cent contribution to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2025,” he said.
“The emerging digital economy has the potential to generate new scientific research and innovation, as well as breakthroughs, fueling job opportunities, economic growth and improving all aspects of daily life,” Song added.
He emphasised how technology and innovation have brought about positive changes in people’s lives, for instance in the use of data to help fight against disease infection patterns and identify hotspots that guide government eradication efforts.
“Vehicle sensor data combined from mapping data analytics has enabled companies save millions of gallons of fuel and reduce emissions. We also know that farmers are using data from seeds, satellites and sensors to make better decisions about what to grow and how to adapt to climate changes,” he said.
“So much has progressed in the field of satellite technology, therefore it would be an amazing opportunity to learn more from these international experts on how our government, business sector and community in general can tap the power from space,” he said.
Representatives from the government departments and agencies, as well as business sectors, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academicians, and students are encouraged to attend so they can seized the golden opportunity to advance their knowledge about satellite applications.
More information on AISAS 2019 can be obtained from aisasatellite.com.— DayakDaily
