By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 12: More than RM7 billion will be invested in the development of Sarawak’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Campus in Tanjung Embang, marking a major step in the State’s ambition to venture into advanced AI technology.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed this when speaking at the Sarawak Skills 38th Convocation Ceremony at Pullman Hotel here today, identifying the project as the destination of an initial US$1.85 billion capital commitment by Japanese billionaire and SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son.
He said Son had chosen Sarawak because of its reliable power and water supply, as well as the State’s free education policy and potential to develop skilled local talent.
Recalling his conversation with Son, Abang Johari said he had asked why the billionaire chose Sarawak when he could invest elsewhere in the world.
“He told me that besides our power and water, he believed we had a good policy on free education and that Sarawakians could be trained and were far ahead of them,” he said.
Abang Johari said the investment would require a skilled workforce, making it important for Sarawak to prepare its young people for opportunities in emerging industries.
He said Sarawak Skills would provide a foundation for local students to pursue further studies at i-CATS University, chaired by Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain.
He added that the university would offer aerospace engineering programmes, enabling Sarawakian students to learn about satellite communications and emerging fields such as quantum AI.
He said the AI Campus in Tanjung Embang would be underpinned by quantum AI technology, which is linked to satellite communications.
The Premier also highlighted growing international interest in Sarawak, including recent engagements with major United Kingdom companies exploring potential areas of cooperation, as well as an earlier visit by Russian representatives to understand the State’s development policies.
Separately, he said gas-based materials companies Indorama, HighChem and Sakura were investing more than US$1 billion collectively in Sarawak. — DayakDaily
