By Christine T
KUCHING, Nov 14: Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology can help preserve and document Sarawak’s indigenous cultural heritage, but they cannot replace the traditional knowledge and wisdom held by indigenous communities, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said that while technology provided new avenues for safeguarding cultural knowledge through digital recordings, multimedia archives, 3D modelling, and online platforms, the knowledge, experiences, and wisdom of local communities remained central to authentic heritage preservation.
“Technology can help us collect and process information, but the knowledge, experience, and wisdom of communities remain the foundation of genuine heritage preservation,” he said in his speech delivered by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the opening of the Borneo Indigenous Festival 2026 at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre last night (Nov 13).
Abang Johari also stressed that efforts to digitise indigenous heritage must involve the direct participation of the communities who possess the knowledge, particularly elders and traditional cultural practitioners.
He said this was important to ensure that documentation was not only accurate but also respected the customs, values and sensitivities of the communities concerned.
Referring to his remarks at the recent International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) General Assembly in Kuching, he reiterated that advances in AI could not replace human wisdom in understanding the values, meanings, and significance of cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, he called for greater participation among young Sarawakians in the arts and cultural sectors, encouraging them to explore opportunities as performing artists, digital content creators, designers, researchers, and creative entrepreneurs.
He said the younger generation should be given opportunities to learn traditional skills from experienced cultural practitioners while developing their creativity through new approaches.
He also called on educational institutions, cultural associations, and relevant agencies to strengthen collaboration in providing training, workshops, apprenticeship programmes, and performance platforms for young talents.
At the same time, smaller and lesser-known indigenous communities should be given fair opportunities to showcase their identities and heritage.
Abang Johari said heritage preservation must go beyond annual celebrations and become a continuous movement involving communities at the grassroots level.
“When young people understand their own history and culture, they will develop a greater appreciation of their identity and their responsibility to pass it on to future generations,” he said. — DayakDaily
