By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, May 18: Sarawak is positioning itself as a sovereign AI leader, through a strategic roadmap of future-focused initiatives.
According to Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah, this vision is anchored by foundational infrastructures like the Sarawak Cloud, the Sarawak Sovereign AI Platform, and an AI Grid developed in partnership with SAINS.
“To push the boundaries of innovation, Sarawak is establishing a Quantum AI Research Group, and AI Economics collaboration, with the University of Cambridge, the United Kingdom,” said Sagah when delivering his ministerial winding up speech at Sarawak Legislative Assembly here today.
He said the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) is spearheading a comprehensive AI transformation by integrating specialised technologies into Sarawak’s core institutions, including predictive natural product discovery with Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, protected areas analysis for the Sarawak Forestry Corporation, and robotic farming for the Department of Agriculture.
“Our digital evolution is exemplified by high-impact AI initiatives, including workflow systems for the Development Bank of Sarawak, the GRIDIA AI S-O-P system with Sarawak Energy, and AI-driven herbarium classification for the Forest Department,” said Sarah who is also Tarat assemblyman (GPS-PBB).
Meanwhile, on SMD semiconductor, he said Sarawak continues to bolster its talent pipeline through its Mastery Training Programme.
Between January and April 2026, Analog IC Design Cohort 3 commenced with 12 trainees, while Digital IC Design Cohort 1 concluded with 10 graduates, all of whom successfully secured industry employment.
“Building on this success, Analog IC Design Cohort 4 and Digital IC Design Cohort 2 are scheduled to begin this August,” said Sarah.
At the same time, he said a Memorandum of Agreement between the University of Bristol, SMD, and Yayasan Sarawak has been established, to launch a four-year PhD programme, in advanced semiconductor research.
Under this partnership, Yayasan Sarawak will provide full annual sponsorship for three Sarawakian scholars, ensuring a steady pipeline of high- level expertise to drive this critical sector forward. —DayakDaily
