By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 2: The Sarawak government has invested RM2.3 billion to boost the State’s digital infrastructure since the launch of the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy in 2017, underscoring its strong commitment to transforming Sarawak into a regional digital powerhouse.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs and Ukas) Datuk Abdullah Saidol describing this effort as a testament to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s bold digital vision for the State.
“This shows how serious Sarawak is under the leadership of our Premier in embracing the digital economy since he took office,” he said during his opening remarks at the Sarawak Media Conference (SMEC) 2025, which was officiated by the Premier, at the Sheraton Hotel here today.
Among the landmark initiatives spearheaded by Abang Johari were the establishment of the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), and the internationally recognised International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) which has been running since 2017.
He also highlighted the development of the Sarawak Data Centre and the Sarawak AI Centre (SAIC), which positions Sarawak as a hub for artificial intelligence (AI) research and innovation. These centres, in collaboration with Centexs and Amazon Web Services (AWS), aim to deliver targeted AI solutions across government services and industry sectors.
Citing growing interest in AI among educators, Abdullah relayed a request from “Cikgu Zul” of SK Green Road, who appealed for dedicated AI training programmes for teachers across Sarawak.
“Our teachers have valid concerns and creative ideas on incorporating AI into their teaching methods,” he said, adding that it is crucial to support educators in adapting to technological advancements.
This year’s conference, themed “Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of Media and Journalism,” gathered over 600 participants, including international experts, local media practitioners, policymakers, academics, and digital strategists.
Abdullah also shared his personal experience preparing for the conference, saying he turned to both an AI tool—ChatGPT—and two seasoned Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) journalists with nearly five decades of experience.
“ChatGPT gave me a well-structured two-page write-up in just seconds, filled with up-to-date insights. But the Ukas veterans gave me a genuine three-page reflection grounded in professional experience, cultural understanding and spiritual values after 24 hours,” he said.
He remarked that while AI offers impressive efficiency and breadth, it lacks the emotional depth, empathy, and human perspective that journalism demands.
“The impact of AI is far more transformative than social media. It is reshaping how information is created, disseminated and interpreted,” he said.
Abdullah cautioned, however, that AI’s influence is a double-edged sword. “AI is a battlefield of good and evil. Its impact depends on whose hand is controlling it. We must ensure it serves the betterment of society and not come at the expense of our shared humanity.”
He invoked Steve Jobs’ quote, “The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller,” and echoed Elon Musk’s view that professions rooted in creativity, empathy and emotional intelligence—like journalism, caregiving, therapy, education, and the arts—remain essential in an AI-driven world.
“AI development must always be guided by safety, transparency and ethical standards,” he concluded, expressing his agreement with Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong’s recent call for the urgent enactment of AI legislation to combat its growing misuse in fraud and cybercrime. — DayakDaily
