by Yvonne Tuah
KUCHING, Aug 31: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will launch another artificial intelligence (AI)-based device in the UK next month, following the recent launch of KETEQ AI.
At the Sarawak Level National Day Celebration 2025 in Sarikei today, he revealed that KETEQ AI marks only the beginning, as several more Sarawak-made AI-powered innovations are currently in development.
“KETEQ AI is just the beginning of several more AI-based devices being developed. Next month, I will launch another AI-based device in the UK as a manifestation of Sarawak’s vision to be a technology innovator that will add value to Sarawak’s resources,” he said in his speech.
“Our aspiration is to ensure that Sarawakians are not only technology users, but also digital value creators. Sarawakians are now venturing into the fields of AI, green technology, e-commerce and smart agriculture based on innovation,” he added.
Supported by a strong institutional framework, legislative enactments, and the establishment of key entities such as the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), Sarawak’s new economy which also comprises of the development of its technological infrastructure is being strengthened through the construction of data centres, communication towers and fibre optic networks.
In addition, the Sarawak Government has established the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) as a hub for AI innovation and reference. SAIC’s role is to cultivate a highly skilled workforce, foster research and development, and provide a platform for local start-ups and entrepreneurs to develop digital solutions that can reach the global market.
“This effort is in line with the Sarawak Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) aspiration to make Sarawak not only a consumer, but also a technology innovator and a leader in the regional digital economy,” Abang Johari emphasised.
Meanwhile, he noted that the KETEQ AI device, the world’s first edge AI-based power conversion device, developed by Sarawakians through Sarawak Microelectronic Design (SMD) in collaboration with CSA Catapult UK, is currently waiting for IP registration approval before it can be commercialised.
Gracing the event were Sarawak governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Also present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; Minister for Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak and Minister in charge of the State-level National Day 2025 celebrations Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; acting Sarawak Secretary Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel; and Sarikei MP Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii, who is also the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability and Repok assemblyman. – DayakDaily
