By DayakDaily Team
KUHCING, July 29: Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel held a strategic engagement with IBM Singapore at its Marina Boulevard office in Singapore to explore potential areas of collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and cybersecurity in support of Sarawak’s digital transformation agenda.
According to Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) News, the IBM Singapore delegation was led by managing partner for IBM Consulting ASEAN Abraham Thomas, accompanied by partner of IBM Global Business Services Balasubrahmanyam Pappu and members of the company’s senior leadership team.
During the engagement today, IBM shared insights from its global transformation journey, highlighting that successful organisational transformation requires effective change management, driven by the reduction of operational complexity, streamlining of end-to-end processes, automation of manual workflows and the integration of AI across business functions to enhance productivity and operational efficiency.
Discussions centred on three key areas of mutual interest, including AI as a long-term strategic investment, quantum computing platforms and the strengthening of cybersecurity capabilities to protect critical digital infrastructure and support future digital services.
Abdullah Zaidel reaffirmed Sarawak’s commitment to developing a resilient and innovation-driven digital economy under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
He emphasised that emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing will be instrumental in enhancing public service delivery, attracting high-value investments and strengthening Sarawak’s position as a competitive regional digital hub.
The engagement also explored opportunities for knowledge exchange, technology transfer and strategic partnerships between IBM Singapore and Sarawak agencies in building future-ready digital capabilities.
Also present at the meeting were Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) chief executive officer (CEO) Professor Dr Patrick Then, Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS) CEO Chew Chang Guan, and Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) chief technology officer Than Shau Bui. — DayakDaily
