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By Wilfred Pilo and Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 5: The RM400 million Hikmah Exchange featuring a 22-storey Office Tower, a Convention Centre and a concourse commercial area at Jalan Haji Taha near Satok here has been officially launched and stands as the first fully smart building in Sarawak.
Developed on a 3.65-acre site by Permodalan Satok Berhad, this state-of-art facility not only stands as a striking landmark in the Satok area but is poised to become an economic centre and tourism driver in the heart of Kuching city.
The architectural design thoughtfully incorporates organic elements that pay homage to the Malay heritage in Sarawak, drawing inspiration from the City Mosque, Minaret City Mosque, sirih (betel) leaves, and veins of betel leaf.
During the auspicious occasion that marked a historic milestone for Sarawak, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted the building’s groundbreaking smart feature — the fully integrated e-switch system.
“It means ‘ketek’ (click) only, and everything (in the building) will run. I walk the talk. It will become an epicentre for administrative functions and business operations.
“Furthermore, this pioneering structure sets the precedent for digital infrastructure in Sarawak’s modern edifices. The visionary goal of technological integration across sectors is in line with the government’s vision,” he said.
Earlier, Permodalan Satok Berhad executive chairman Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain pointed out that the Office Tower will host 13 government agencies, including Land and Survey Department Kuching, Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), Sarawak Civil Service Commission, Sarawak Civil Service Digitalisation Unit, Sarawak Transformation and Innovation Unit, Sarawak Protocol, Ceremonies and Event Management Unit, Immigration and Labour Management Unit, Sarawak Implementation Monitoring Unit, Unit Meinyu Electrik, Department of Agriculture Sarawak, LCDA Holdings Sdn Bhd, Sarawak Petchem Sdn Bhd and Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd.
The technological advancement, Abang Johari said, affords the government agencies to efficiently manage and administer as well as effectively serve the community.
The shift from manual processes to online management streamlines operations at the fingertip, aligning with the “Old Kuching Smart Heritage” programme’s vision of intelligent infrastructure via IT and advanced technology, he added.
“It will also energise the tourism sector as the Convention Centre will cater for various events such as weddings, meetings, seminars and conventions of both local and international.
“This will revitalise the entire Satok area. We are about to witness a paradigm shift in economic activities in the Satok area where the local community stands to benefit from the burgeoning business opportunities catalysed by the thriving tourism industry,” he added.
The journey to construct the Hikmah Exchange was fraught with challenges. Though groundbreaking occurred on April 7, 2017, the original completion date of December 2020 was impeded by the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite these setbacks, the project persevered and stands as a testament to dedication and resilience.
With its completion, Abdul Aziz is confident that the Hikmah Exchange will serve as a “gateway” for diverse commercial endeavours, connecting Satok’s new and future development to its glorious past along Jalan Haji Taha and Jalan P. Ramlee.
Premier’s wife Datuk Patinggi Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Abu Bakar Marzuki, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Satok assemblyman Dato Ibrahim Baki and Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman were present. — DayakDaily
