By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 8: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has unveiled an ambitious vision for the State’s digital future, focusing on creating “DeepSar,” a Sarawak-based artificial intelligence (AI) platform to foster global conversations.
Speaking at the Sarawak Multimedia Authority’s (SMA) Lunar New Year Dinner 2025 at Sheraton Hotel here last night (Feb 7), Abang Johari shared his hope that Sarawak could develop a platform similar to DeepSeek, a successful global AI initiative.
“I hope one day we can have a DeepSar – a DeepSarawak – founded by a Sarawakian. It would host content specific to Sarawak and become a new digital conversation platform between Sarawakians and the world,” he said.
While acknowledging that this may currently be a dream, Abang Johari expressed optimism that such a platform could become a reality by 2030 or later, depending on the development of the right workforce and resources.
“This may be a dream for now, but perhaps it will happen in the future — maybe by 2030, 2035, or 2040,” he added.
Abang Johari also highlighted the role of AI in consolidating vast amounts of data to add value and support informed decision-making. He illustrated this by mentioning how a simple search on DeepSeek about Sarawak would yield a detailed description of the State’s potential, breaking down its various sectors and resources.
“AI helps us understand Sarawak’s potential, and what we should do based on our resources,” he said.
Abang Johari also explained that he has asked Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam and the company to look into consolidating all data related to the planet’s biodiversity.
This initiative aims to allow Sarawak to share the economic value of its biodiversity with the world.
He noted that access to the data would not be free but would be available on a paid basis to global users, ensuring the State’s rights over its biodiversity are protected.
Also present at the event were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Sarawak Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Dr George Chan who is also SMA Board of Directors member; and SMA General Manager Dato Dr Anderson Tiong Ing Heng. – DayakDaily
