Premier wants companies to adopt AI,VR and AR tech to keep up with Sarawak’s digitalisation

Abang Johari (second right) on stage at the 2022 IEM Sarawak annual dinner today (Aug 12, 2022).

By Ling Hui & Karen Bong

KUCHING, Aug 12: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is urging the public and private sectors to adopt technologies involving artificial intelligence (AI), as well as virtual and augmented reality applications.

He said this is vital for them to adapt to the current pace of Sarawak’s digitalisation movement, which is in line with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

As for the public sector, he said initiatives such as spatial and geographical information systems (GIS) and building information modelling (BIM) platforms have been introduced.

“The government has been working extensively with SAINS on some of the most comprehensive geospatial solutions in Malaysia and providing various geospatial services for both the public and private sectors.

“Their GIS systems are the backbone of many government solutions, including our Land Management Solution and Local Authority Solution,” he said during the IEM Sarawak branch annual dinner at a local hotel here tonight.

In view of this, Abang Johari commended IEM Sarawak’s initiative to build an educational and digital lab with an integrated BIM platform and other engineering software for students and working engineers.

He said this was necessary to bridge industrial knowledge gaps, especially in embracing AI in all related industries.

Meanwhile, he also stressed on the importance of research and development (R&D) to improve local talents and technology as Sarawak is no longer dependent on foreign labour.

Among those also present were Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian and IEM Sarawak branch chairman Dato Ir Janang Bungsu. — DayakDaily