By Ashley Sim and Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 4: The Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, a visionary plan to secure Sarawak’s future as a leading digital economy and society in the region, all while maintaining a commitment to environmentally sustainability, has been launched at the 27th World Congress on Innovation and Technology and 6th International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (WCIT-IDECS) held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Launched by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the comprehensive blueprint builds upon the foundations of the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy 2018-2022 and now stands as the linchpin of the Sarawak Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
In his opening speech, Abang Johari said the blueprint will transform the economy and society of Sarawak from a conventional resource-based economy to an environmentally sustainable technology-based economy.
“This is to ensure that Sarawak will not be left behind as most developing countries are already at the forefront of the digital economy and to ensure Sarawak is on track to be a developed region by 2030.
“A key goal of the blueprint is to inspire businesses to come up with new ideas, use them, and adapt to contemporary business models. It also aims to help everyone, so that they can benefit from the digital economy,” he said.
Abang Johari acknowledged that Sarawak needs to have strategic investments which target the generation of jobs and the development of a competitive market environment.
In this endeavour, the Malaysian Business Angel Network (MBAN) Sarawak was established to encourage greater collaboration with the private sector to invest in start-ups. It is also the official trade association and governing body for angel investors and angel clubs in Malaysia.
“To date, we have trained over 150 high-net-worth individuals through MBAN Sarawak educational programmes.
“The private sector has an imperative role to play in our aspirations for a digital economy ecosystem in Sarawak. The government cannot do this on their own,” he said.
Abang Johari emphasised that Sarawak aspires to become a major digital economy powerhouse in the region by 2030, making sure that growth benefits everyone, does not harm the environment, and is achieved in an inclusive and responsible way.
Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Chief Minister of Penang Chow Kon Yeow, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Julaihi Narawi as well as World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance (Witsa) chairman Dr Sean Seah and CEO Dato Dan E Khoo were among those present. — DayakDaily
