By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Dec 6: Sarawak is in the midst of developing its very own artificial intelligence (AI) platform, DeepSAR, designed to provide translation and interpretation capabilities for ethnic languages including Iban and Bidayuh.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative is being led by Sarawak’s technology agency, Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS), which has been tasked with building an AI system similar to China’s cutting-edge DeepSeek.
“If China can do it, I think Sarawak can do it too. This DeepSAR, first and foremost, is for language interpretation and translation,” he said when officiating the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Corporate Dinner 2025 at a hotel here on Friday night (Dec 5).
He revealed that SAINS is currently developing the platform to support simultaneous interpretation among English, Iban, Bidayuh and other ethnic languages in Sarawak, noting that linguistic accessibility is crucial when visiting foreign destinations.
“Sometimes, when you go to Baram, you have to know the language. Those who come to Sarawak must know the Iban or Bidayuh language. So SAINS is coming up with this app,” he said.
Abang Johari added that Sarawak already has digital applications highlighting the State’s biodiversity and that SAINS, together with the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), will continue to innovate digital tools to strengthen visitor engagement, particularly through e-commerce.
“E-commerce is a very important and significant connectivity between people who visit a destination,” he said, comparing the experience to visiting Paris where locals prefer conversing in French.
“With DeepSAR, it will enable simultaneous translation of our ethnic languages. DeepSAR will become a partner for our trips,” he added.
He stressed that embracing AI and digital innovation will enable Sarawak to enhance service quality in hospitality and tourism while introducing new metrics and approaches to sustain growth in the industry.
“With technology, we can improve the hospitality and tourism sector. As I said, SEDC can chart a new journey in this new era too,” he said.
Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and SEDC chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
