By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Nov 2: Sarawak is leading other states in digitalisation and technological innovation, with its locally developed digital solutions serving as a model for the rest of the country, says caretaker Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Speaking at the Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) 35th anniversary dinner on Sunday (Nov 1), Abang Johari said even the federal government had acknowledged Sarawak as the leading driver of Malaysia’s digital economy
He remarked how Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo described Sarawak as a key player that serves as a highly successful model for national digitalisation and expressed the need for Malaysia to learn from the State’s achievements.
“Sarawak had come a long way since the early days of computerisation in government services. Even the introduction of electric typewriters faced bureaucratic resistance.
“Efforts to modernise government operations were initially constrained by regulations requiring the use of manual typewriters,” Abang Johari said, recalling his experience as Minister of Industrial Development from 1987 to 2000.
“SAINS, which was established in 1991, had played a pivotal role in driving Sarawak’s digital transformation, evolving into a systematic and competitive technology-driven organisation.
“The State’s digital journey had progressed through successive industrial revolutions, from computerisation and the World Wide Web to the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and now artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics,” he said.
Abang Johari also cited the introduction of Sarawak Pay, now known as S Pay Global, as a successful example of digital innovation because Sarawak was the first in Malaysia to introduce its own e-wallet.
He explained how this became increasingly important particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic and electronic transactions.
“Therefore, technology must continue to evolve alongside scientific research to address emerging challenges and improve governance, public service delivery and economic productivity.
“However, we must be cautious, and AI must be used responsibly. Although machines can process vast amounts of data and replicate certain aspects of human intelligence, they cannot replace human wisdom,” he said.
Abang Johari also called for greater data sharing among government departments, ministries, and district offices to improve efficiency, reduce administrative delays and accelerate development planning.
Looking ahead, he expressed hope that Sarawak would achieve another major milestone by 2030 with the deployment of its own nanosatellite or CubeSat in orbit.
This, Abang Johari said, will enable the State to expand its capabilities in satellite-based data collection and applications.
Urging SAINS to remain at the forefront of technological advancement and continue developing innovative digital applications, he added that this is to support Sarawak’s aspirations for a more connected, efficient and technologically advanced future. — DayakDaily
