By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Jan 25: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg reminded entrepreneurs to keep up with today’s rapidly changing technology, as artificial intelligence (AI) in business operations is the primary driving force in the sector.
The Premier also emphasised the potential of AI to enhance entrepreneurs’ productivity and its significant role in transforming the digital landscape.
“We are just starting to learn about AI, and now we have generative AI. Before coming here, I had the opportunity to read something new about AI, and it is about a device called ‘Humane AI Pin’ that allows us to find solutions at just our fingertips,” he said this during his speech at the Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Chinese New Year Banquet Dinner-cum-Sarawak Entrepreneur of The Year (EOYS) 2023 event at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here last night (Jan 24).
Abang Johari noted AI is a new thing that will change business and the way of doing business. Thus, Sarawak has to keep abreast with fast-changing technology taking place today, whether it’s in business management or government administration.
Furthermore, the Premier stated that Sarawak is transitioning away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy.
“We try to collaborate with relevant authorities on ways to reduce carbon emissions, and we began using hydrogen very early.
“Although there was some initial doubt about whether hydrogen was an option, we will continue to work in this direction.”
He also noted that Bloomberg had stated that Sarawak dared to take the risk of implementing hydrogen into its economic agenda because only a few countries can do so.
Additionally, Abang Johari highlighted the significance of talent development and restated his commitment to offering free higher education to all Sarawakians by 2026, as part of his efforts to drive the progress of the State.
“And the government is still exploring a new revenue stream. I can assure you that we have something in mind to increase our revenue while also giving back to the people in the new economy, thereby improving the condition of our Sarawak companies and making them more competitive in this new era,” he added.
The event was attended by various dignitaries and officials, including Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and SCCI president Datuk Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg. — DayakDaily
